Shingles is not contagious. You can't catch shingles from someone who has it. But you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles. So, if you've never had chickenpox, try to stay away from anyone who has shingles.
Flo, a 77-year-old woman notes, "My daughter stayed away when I had shingles. She'd never had chickenpox and didn't want to risk catching it. Good thing my sister lived nearby and could help me during those first few weeks."
Most people get shingles only once. But it is possible to have it more than once.
Help for Shingles
If your loved one has shingles, here are some things that may make them feel better:
- Make sure they get enough rest, avoid stress as much as possible, and eat well-balanced meals.
- Simple exercises like stretching or walking can help. Check with your doctor first.
- Dip a washcloth in cool water and apply it to your parent's blisters to ease the pain and help dry the blisters.
- Do things that take your parent's mind off the pain. Watch TV, read interesting books, talk with friends, or work on a hobby they like.
- Try to get them to relax. Stress can make the pain worse. Listen to music that helps your parent relax.
- Ask your parent to share their feelings about their pain with family and friends. Ask for their help.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institute of Health (NIH) leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life.