Is shingles contagious?

According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes shingles can be spread through skin-to-skin contact if a rash is present. An individual may develop chickenpox after physical contact with a person affected by the shingles rash.

Elderly individuals, as well as people with compromised immune systems, may have a higher risk of contracting shingles from an affected individual, says WebMD. Pregnant women who are exposed to shingles can pass the virus on to their fetus. People who have received the shingles vaccine may be less likely to contract the virus.