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Care & Decontamination of Bed Linens With Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is the virus that causes the disease shingles, and is closely related to the varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox in children. Its main symptoms are pain and a blistering skin rash.

  1. Transmissibility of the Herpes Zoster Virus

    • Herpes zoster is transmitted via respiratory secretions and vesicle fluids. It can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the virus itself, or can be airborne. It is one of many envelope viruses, so named because the virus is encapsulated in an outer covering of lipids. If the outer envelope is destroyed, the virus is no longer infective.

    Changing Bed Linens Infected with the Herpes Zoster Virus

    • People handling linens infected with herpes zoster should wear gloves. Removed linens should not be shaken or placed on the floor or other surfaces, but should instead be put immediately into a linen bag. Wet linens should be put in a plastic bag, and damp linens should be folded so the moisture is on the inside.

    Washing Linens Infected with the Herpes Zoster Virus

    • No special procedures are required to clean and decontaminate bed linens used by someone with herpes zoster. Linens can be washed normally.

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