Many people with shingles wonder if they are contagious. While the varicella zoster virus can be spread to those who have not had chickenpox, shingles itself cannot. The virus behind shingles can be spread to other people. Shingles itself is not contagious. This transmission, which only occurs through direct contact with blisters, would cause chickenpox in someone who has never been infected with the virus. During the times before blisters and after crusting, there is no risk of viral transmission.