If you have never had chickenpox, avoid contact with people who have shingles or chickenpox. Fluid from shingles blisters is contagious, and exposure to it can cause chickenpox (but not shingles) in people who have never had chickenpox.
If you develop shingles, avoid close contact with people until after the rash blisters heal. It is especially important to avoid contact with people who are at special risk from chickenpox or shingles, such as:
- Pregnant women, infants, children, or anyone who has never had chickenpox.
- Anyone who is currently ill.
- Anyone with a weak immune system who is unable to fight infection (such as someone with HIV infection or diabetes ).