If you are uncertain about a chickenpox diagnosis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. Chickenpox can be easily spread to others, especially those who have not been vaccinated or previously had the illness, so it is crucial to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems may be at a higher risk for complications from chickenpox, so seeking medical advice is recommended. Remember to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes, to help protect yourself and others from contagious illnesses like chickenpox.

How you can treat chickenpox yourself

If you suspect a case of chickenpox, avoid communal areas until all bumps have scabbed over (usually within 5 days) and consider self-care measures:

• stay hydrated
• take pain relievers
• keep nails trimmed
• use cooling lotions
• seek advice on antihistamines from a pharmacist
• bathe in cool water
• wear loose attire

Important

Avoid contact with vulnerable individuals like newborns or expectant mothers.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• if unsure about symptoms
• if worried about yourself or a child

Inform the medical practice about potential exposure to chickenpox before your visit.

Urgent advice: Get advice from NHS 111 now if:

• rapid worsening of symptoms
• child displays signs of dehydration
• skin around bumps appears inflamed
• breastfeeding with symptoms
• expecting without previous chickenpox exposure
• compromised immune system
• suspected newborn chickenpox

Some individuals might qualify for preventive treatment within 24 hours of bump emergence.

Contact 111 for guidance, particularly for kids under 5 years old.

How chickenpox is spread

Chickenpox remains contagious from 2 days before bumps appear to 5 days after scab formation.

New bumps may surface 1-3 weeks post-exposure.

You can contract chickenpox from various sources, including close contact with infected individuals.

Chickenpox can also be spread through the air by coughing or sneezing of an infected person.

Coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, such as toys or clothing, can also spread the virus.

Pregnant women who are not immune to chickenpox are at risk of passing the infection to their baby.

The chickenpox vaccine

NHS provides chickenpox vaccination for those at risk of transmitting the disease to vulnerable groups.

Private or travel clinics also offer the vaccine for a fee.

Last reviewed: 31 January 2025
Next review: 31 January 2028

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a common childhood infection with mild symptoms in most cases but can be severe in adults.

Chickenpox poses risks to individuals with immune system complications, such as leukemia, or those using immunosuppressant medications like steroids.

Other common symptoms of chickenpox include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Feeling generally unwell

It is important to note that chickenpox is highly contagious, so it is important to take precautions to prevent its spread, especially to individuals who have not had the virus before.

How is it spread?

Chickenpox is highly contagious, spreading through direct contact or via the air from coughs or sneezes.

Pregnant women can transmit chickenpox to their babies.

Is there a vaccine against chickenpox?

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends vaccination for healthy children aged 12 months and older.

It is important to note that the chickenpox vaccine is highly effective in preventing the disease. It not only reduces the risk of contracting chickenpox but also helps in preventing severe complications associated with the illness. The vaccine is typically administered in two doses, with the second dose given a few months after the initial dose to ensure long-lasting immunity.

What is shingles?

Shingles, caused by the same virus as chickenpox, occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox before, typically years later.

Shingles is contagious and can transmit chickenpox to others.

Shingles can cause a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body. The rash can last for several weeks and may be accompanied by fever, headache, and fatigue.

It is recommended that individuals who have had chickenpox receive the shingles vaccine to reduce the risk of developing shingles later in life.

Can you catch chickenpox again once you have had it?

Most individuals develop lifelong immunity after one bout of chickenpox, but occasional recurrences are possible.

It is rare to get chickenpox more than once, as the body typically builds up immunity to the virus after the initial infection. However, in some cases, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, there have been reports of people getting chickenpox more than once.

It is important to note that while rare, it is possible to have a second episode of chickenpox, known as a “breakthrough” infection. This can occur if the initial infection was mild and did not provide full immunity.

It is important for parents to educate themselves about the symptoms of chickenpox so they can recognize them early on in their children. Early detection can help prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.

Keeping good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, can also help prevent the spread of chickenpox. Encouraging children to avoid contact with infected individuals and sharing personal items can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

In cases where a child is not vaccinated and has been exposed to chickenpox, parents should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action. It is important to follow their recommendations to help manage the situation effectively.

It is also important to keep the affected person hydrated and ensure they get plenty of rest. Calamine lotion or oatmeal baths can help soothe the itching caused by chickenpox. Antihistamines may also be used to relieve itching.

If the chickenpox rash is particularly severe or if there are complications, such as bacterial infections, a healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medications or antibiotics.

Can children with chickenpox go to child care or school?

Sick children should stay home and avoid contact with others. Mild cases may attend school or childcare if feeling well.

What if I’m pregnant?

Pregnant women face severe risks from chickenpox; vaccination may be considered.

Immediate medical attention is necessary if exposed to chickenpox during pregnancy.

It is important for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider if they believe they have been exposed to chickenpox. The healthcare provider can assess the risk and provide guidance on next steps.

Some complications of chickenpox during pregnancy include pneumonia, encephalitis, and birth defects in the baby. Therefore, it is crucial for pregnant women to seek medical attention promptly if exposed to the virus.

For more information

Consult Your Child’s Best Shot: A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination, 2nd edition for detailed vaccination information.

Footnotes

Seek personalized medical advice from your healthcare provider.

Individuals without prior chickenpox infection or vaccination may experience symptoms like fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, and headache.

Common symptoms

Chickenpox manifests as an itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters, initially appearing on the chest, back, and face before spreading to other body regions. Other common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling unwell

Chickenpox in vaccinated people (breakthrough chickenpox)

Vaccinated individuals can still develop chickenpox with milder symptoms and a shorter duration.

Complications

Complications from chickenpox are rare but can include skin infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation, bleeding problems, sepsis, and dehydration.

Hospitalizations and fatalities from chickenpox are uncommon due to vaccination programs.

Who is at risk

High-risk individuals for severe chickenpox complications include..

Chickenpox is a prevalent infection affecting most children; understanding its symptoms and treatments is vital, especially for high-risk individuals.

Symptoms of chickenpox

The primary symptom of chickenpox is an itchy rash, with initial indicators including muscle aches, headaches, and decreased appetite.

3 stages of chickenpox

Chickenpox advances from red spots to fluid-filled blisters, eventually forming scabs.

How infectious is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is highly contagious, transmitted through close contact and exposure to contaminated items or surfaces.

Parents should monitor children for chickenpox symptoms to provide timely care.

When is chickenpox most contagious?

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Chickenpox is highly contagious from one to two days before the appearance of spots until the blisters have crusted (around five to six days after the rash begins). It can be contracted at any time of the year, but it’s most common in winter and spring, especially between March and May. To prevent the spread of chickenpox, parents should keep their children home from school or nursery until the spots have crusted over. It’s important to avoid public areas and contact with individuals who haven’t had the disease, especially newborns and pregnant women.

Reinfection with chickenpox is rare, as most people become immune for life after the initial infection. However, some individuals may develop shingles later in life. Since chickenpox is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective in treating it. Parents should discourage children from scratching the blisters to prevent bacterial infection, which may require antibiotic treatment.

During the early stages of chickenpox, children may develop a fever. Paracetamol-based medications like CALPOL ® Infant Suspension can help reduce the fever. Various guidelines can provide relief from chickenpox symptoms, including giving paracetamol, keeping the child hydrated, cutting their nails, dressing them in loose clothes, using cooling creams, and seeking advice from a pharmacist.

Avoid using ibuprofen without consulting a GP, as it may lead to serious skin infections. Refrain from giving aspirin to children under 16. It’s crucial to isolate the child from pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals to prevent health risks.

The NHS offers a chickenpox vaccine to individuals at high risk of severe infection or transmission. It’s also administered to those in close contact with vulnerable individuals. The vaccine consists of two injections given four to eight weeks apart and is available at private clinics for a fee.

Common chickenpox symptoms include a spotty rash, fever, aches, loss of appetite, red eyes, and sore throat. Contact a GP if you suspect chickenpox or if the symptoms worsen. Seek immediate advice from NHS 111 if symptoms deteriorate suddenly, signs of dehydration appear, or the skin around the blisters becomes hot and painful, indicating infection.

For easing chickenpox symptoms in infants and young children, you can try giving them paracetamol, ensuring they stay hydrated, trimming their nails, encouraging them to wear socks at bedtime, dressing them in loose clothing, and seeking advice from a pharmacist regarding cooling creams or antihistamines.
To help with congestion, consider using products such as CALPOL ® Blocked Nose Spray, Saline Nasal Spray, and Vapour Plug & Nightlight. Remember to carefully read the instructions and guidance given by healthcare professionals.