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It's contagious until it's scabebd over and not weeping. Did he see a dr? They can provide anti-viral meds that can shorten the duration and help prevent the side effects. Btw your dad should be vaccinated for shingles if he hasn't been already.

My mom had it last year and she is our primary childcare. We kept DS away the first week or two because she was SO uncomfortable. Luckily once she was feeling better she was able to keep it covered with clothing so that it wouldn't spread. It was on her chest and back so it was easy to keep covered.

I hope your Dad has a quick recovery!

My mom just found out last week that she has shingles. I think on Friday she found out. She had been feeling symptoms for about a week prior to that. She's coming to visit this Wednesday so she was really worried.
The doctor told her he thought she wouldn't be contagious anymore this Monday (tomorrow). But he also said that direct contact is the only way to catch it. She has it on her rib cage and back. So as long as she's wearing a shirt it won't be a problem.

Additionally, when my son was 4 months old my husbands cousin had shingles and we were all supposed to spend thanksgiving together. She had it on her face! Our ped said as long as she didn't hold him we could spend the holiday together. So again, direct contact was the only concern.

I had it this past fall, but it was relatively mild. I was concerned about it being contagious since I have two LOs, but the doctor told me only the rash/oozy part was contagious. Luckily, I caught it relatively early and didn't even have any oozing. I still maintained minimal contact with my LOs and DH for a few days just to be sure.

My aunt had shingles last fall and it broke out while she was helping take care of my dad who had cancer and was VERY immunocompromised. Doctor said it's touching that spreads it, so so long as everything stayed covered and she didn't touch my dad, it was fine.