Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA senior health advisor and medical director, Communicable Diseases and Immunizations program, and Sean McAnulty, OHP Member Communications coordinator, answered today’s questions.
Q: Are shingles contagious? – Michael, Depoe Bay
A: “Technically speaking, yes. While someone with shingles cannot spread shingles to someone else, they can spread chickenpox, which can one day lead to shingles. Here’s how: Chickenpox is a herpesvirus, highly contagious by the airborne route, and after one is infected it remains in the person forever, mostly dormant. For about one-third of people who have had chickenpox, at some point in their lives the virus will reactivate or 're-awaken' and present as shingles, which is much less contagious as it’s generally limited to the skin.
“Additionally, although persons who have had chickenpox may one day develop shingles from within, they aren’t at any additional risk from contact with a person with shingles. Chickenpox was so common in the past that anyone born before 1980 is presumed to have had it—whether they remember it or not. And so, persons born after 1980 who have neither had chickenpox nor been vaccinated against it are at some risk of developing chickenpox from contact with a patient with shingles, in which case they may develop shingles later in life. In this scenario, CDC estimates the virus (as shingles) is only one-fifth as contagious as it is in people with chickenpox. We recommend that persons who have shingles cover the lesions until they have crusted over, and shingles is not contagious before the blisters appear. You can read more about shingles here.”
Q: I'm a single 72-year-old woman, no kids, no blood family within 2,500 miles, and my friends and neighbors are in worse shape than I am. How can I get rides to and from the hospital when I've had surgery? They won't release you if you don't have someone to accompany you home. I'm on United Healthcare Medicare Advantage, but slightly over the requirement for Oregon Health Plan. – Linda, Portland
A: “Linda, as you know, rides to health care appointments can be a real problem for people on Medicare. I would first check with your insurance provider, because some Medicare Advantage plans offer transportation benefits. You might also look into a nonprofit called Ride Connection that offers free transportation services in the Portland tri-county area. Their Door-to-Door Rides service specifically serves adults 65+ and people with disabilities, providing rides “for any purpose, including medical, meals, shopping, recreation, volunteering or work.” You can call them at 503-226-0700.
Some people may be able to get free or low-cost transportation to regular visits to health care providers or pharmacies if they are a patient at a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Oregon Primary Care Association keeps an updated list of FQHCs across the state.
In the Portland area, TriMet offers lower fares for public transit though its Honored Citizen Fare program for people age 65+ and those with disabilities or with reduced income. Many similar local public transit programs exist in communities across the state. And for those who are covered by Oregon Health Plan, members can search free transportation opportunities by county here or call 800-273-0557.
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. While we are unable to answer every question, we try to address questions that may be of interest to a broader audience. Please understand we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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