Shingles and Chickenpox Transmission: Can a Child Infect a Parent?

Chickenpox (varicella) is highly contagious via respiratory droplets and vesicle fluid. A child with active chickenpox can infect a susceptible (non‑immune) parent.

Shingles (herpes zoster) results from reactivation of latent VZV in dorsal root ganglia. It cannot be caught from another person. However, vesicle fluid from shingles lesions contains infectious VZV and can cause chickenpox in a non‑immune contact.

Key points:

• Vaccinated/previously infected adults are immune; low risk.
• Immunocompromised, pregnant, or neonatal contacts are high‑risk; VZIG may be indicated.
• Cover lesions, practice hand hygiene, avoid contact until crusting.