You can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before. But most adults and older children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune. You cannot get shingles from someone who has shingles.

The shingles rash is contagious (for someone else to catch chickenpox) until all the blisters have scabbed and are dry. Also, if the blisters are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others. This is because the virus is passed on by direct contact with the blisters. (Therefore, if you have a job, you can return to work once the blisters have dried up, or earlier if you keep the rash covered and feel well enough.)

 However, as a general rule, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox should avoid people with shingles. Also, if you have a poor immune system, you should avoid people with shingles. These general rules are to play safe, as it is direct contact with the rash that usually passes on the virus.

 Also, to play safe and not risk passing on the virus to others who may not have had chickenpox, you should not share towels, go swimming, or play contact sports such as rugby whilst you have a shingles rash.