Can You Travel If You Have Shingles?
Travelling is exciting, but health concerns like shingles can put a wrench in your plans. If you or someone you know is dealing with shingles, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to hop on a plane or hit the road. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the same virus that triggers chickenpox—the varicella-zoster virus. Even after recovering from chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your nerve tissues for years and reactivate later as shingles. It typically presents as a painful rash, often with blisters that appear on one side of the body or face.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain, burning, or tingling before the rash develops
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Itching
- Sensitivity to touch
- Fatigue and fever (in some cases)
Shingles can be uncomfortable, but with proper care, most people recover without long-term complications.
Is Shingles Contagious?
Yes, but with some important distinctions. Shingles itself isn’t spread through casual contact. However, the virus inside the fluid-filled blisters can be transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. If they contract the virus, they won’t develop shingles immediately but instead will get chickenpox.
Transmission occurs through:
- Direct contact with open blisters
- Contact with contaminated items (like towels or clothing)
You are not contagious before the rash appears or after the blisters have crusted over.
Can You Travel With Shingles?
Whether you can travel with shingles depends on a few factors:
Severity of symptoms – If your pain is manageable and you feel up for it, short trips may be okay. However, long flights or extended travel might be uncomfortable and increase your risk of complications.
Contagious period – If you have open, fluid-filled blisters, you risk transmitting the virus to others. Travelling in close quarters, like on airplanes or buses, may not be considerate to fellow travellers.
General health – Fatigue and discomfort can worsen during travel, especially without proper rest. It’s essential to evaluate how well you feel before committing to travel plans.
When travel may be possible – If your blisters have crusted over and you’re no longer contagious, travelling is generally safe. However, you should still consult with a healthcare professional before finalizing your plans.
When Does Shingles Stop Being Contagious?
Shingles typically stops being contagious once all the blisters have dried and scabbed over. This usually happens within 7 to 10 days after the rash appears. Once scabbed, the risk of spreading the virus is significantly reduced.
To protect others and speed up recovery, here are a few tips:
- Keep the rash covered.
- Avoid touching or scratching the blisters.
- Wash your hands frequently.
If you’re unsure whether you’re still contagious, speaking to a medical professional is always a good idea.
Book an Appointment at PinPoint Infinity Health
At PinPoint Infinity Health, we provide comprehensive services for shingles management, including shingles vaccinations and travel vaccines. Whether you’re planning a trip or want to prevent future flare-ups, we’re here to help.
Our same-day clinic appointments are convenient and easy to book online. Don’t let health concerns hold you back from travelling or living your life fully.