Can Someone Who Has Shingles Still Go to Work?

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Someone who has shingles can go to work as shingles cannot be passed from one person to another, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, precautions need to be taken to prevent others from catching chickenpox from the shingles virus.

The Varicella Zoster Virus causes shingles. Although shingles is not contagious, this virus can still activate chickenpox in other people when they come in direct contact with the rash blisters of a person who has shingles, according to the CDC. To prevent transmission during the blister phase, keep blisters and scabs covered and wash hands frequently, according to Healthline.com. Once the rash forms a crust, the virus does not spread anymore.