Are Shingles Sexually Transmitted?

Shingles is not caused by the same virus that causes genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease. Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles, the varicella zoster virus, can be spread from a person with active shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox.

Can I catch shingles from my husband?

It is not possible to catch shingles from another person. However, a person can transmit the virus through the fluid within shingles blisters. A person who has never had chicken pox may develop it, and later shingles, after coming into contact with this fluid.

Can shingles be contracted sexually?

The person exposed to the blister would develop chickenpox, not shingles. This means that shingles cannot be passed on sexually; however, if your sexual partner has a rash and you haven't previously had chickenpox, there is a chance you could be infected from contact with the open blisters.