How To Avoid Spreading the Virus That Causes Shingles



Shingles is a painful and contagious virus that can cause severe skin rashes, blisters, and nerve pain. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). While most people who have had chickenpox are at risk of getting shingles, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of spreading the virus.

1. Get Vaccinated: The best way to protect yourself from getting shingles is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults aged 50 or older receive the shingles vaccine (Zostavax). Vaccination can reduce your risk of developing shingles by up to 50%.

2. Practice Good Hygiene: To help prevent the spread of shingles, it’s important to practice good hygiene habits such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands, and avoiding close contact with people who have active cases of shingles.

3. Avoid Sharing Personal Items: To avoid spreading the virus that causes shingles, it’s important not to share personal items such as towels or clothing with someone who has an active case of shingles.

4. Clean Surfaces Regularly: If someone in your household has an active case of shingles, it’s important to clean surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops regularly with a disinfectant solution containing bleach or alcohol-based products like Lysol wipes or sprays. This will help prevent others in your household from becoming infected with the virus that causes shingles.

5. Wear Protective Clothing: If you must come into contact with someone who has an active case of shingles, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and gloves when caring for them or cleaning surfaces they may have touched within their environment .

By following these simple steps you can help protect yourself from getting infected with the virus that causes Shingles and reduce its spread in our communities!

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Shingles, virus, chickenpox, varicella-zoster, vaccinated, hygiene, personal items, surfaces, protective clothing,

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