Can being exposed to shingles re activate the virus in YOU?

No, being exposed to shingles itself does not reactivate the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes shingles) in someone who has never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. However, if you have previously had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body and can be reactivated later in life, leading to shingles. The risk of developing shingles increases with age and certain health conditions.