Shingles and Laundry: Is it Contagious?

Shingles (herpes zoster) is not transmitted via laundry, clothing, or fomites. The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) spreads only through direct contact with fluid from active vesicles.

Once lesions crust over (typically 7–10 days), the person is no longer contagious. Standard laundry practices (detergent, hot water, drying) inactivate any residual virus.

Precautions: cover rash, wash hands after touching lesions, avoid sharing towels/linens while lesions are open. No need to wash patient's laundry separately after crusting.