Shingles in Nurseries: Risk to Children & Prevention

Yes, it is possible for an adult to infect a child with shingles if the adult is working in a nursery and has active shingles. Shingles is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. People who have never had chickenpox can get shingles if they are exposed to someone with the disease.

In adults, shingles typically appear as a painful rash on one side of the body. The rash can be accompanied by fever, chills, and fatigue. In children, shingles can cause more severe symptoms, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

If you are an adult with shingles, it is important to stay away from children, especially those who have never had chickenpox, until the rash has completely healed. You should also cover the rash with clothing to avoid spreading the virus. If you are working in a nursery, it is important to inform your supervisor so that they can take steps to protect the children from infection.