Which statement about contagion of herpes zoster is true?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement about contagion of herpes zoster is true?

Herpes zoster reflects reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is shed in the fluid of the shingles blisters. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with that vesicular fluid to someone who is susceptible (i.e., has not had varicella or isn’t immune), potentially causing chickenpox in them. People who have already had chickenpox (or are immune) are not susceptible to infection from exposure, so it is not contagious to them. That makes the statement about immunity true. The other options are not accurate: exposure is not guaranteed to produce infection in someone with prior varicella, the spread is not via respiratory droplets for shingles, and the primary route is contact with vesicle fluid, not airborne transmission.

Herpes zoster reflects reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is shed in the fluid of the shingles blisters. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with that vesicular fluid to someone who is susceptible (i.e., has not had varicella or isn’t immune), potentially causing chickenpox in them. People who have already had chickenpox (or are immune) are not susceptible to infection from exposure, so it is not contagious to them. That makes the statement about immunity true. The other options are not accurate: exposure is not guaranteed to produce infection in someone with prior varicella, the spread is not via respiratory droplets for shingles, and the primary route is contact with vesicle fluid, not airborne transmission.

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