Parents may need to isolate themselves if their child has chickenpox, especially if they have not had chickenpox themselves or have not been vaccinated against it. Chickenpox is highly contagious and can easily spread to others who have not had it before. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for specific guidance on isolation measures.

It is generally recommended to stay home from work if your child has chickenpox to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Employers may have policies in place regarding contagious illnesses like chickenpox, so it is best to check with them about their guidelines for returning to work after your child has recovered. Additionally, it is important to follow any recommendations from healthcare providers about when it is safe to return to work.

If you are uncertain about whether your child has chickenpox, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Look out for symptoms such as a red rash, high fever, and overall discomfort. Remember that chickenpox is highly contagious, so it is important to take precautions to prevent further spread of the virus, especially around vulnerable individuals.
It is also worth noting that there is a vaccine available for chickenpox, which is highly effective in preventing the illness. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss vaccination options for your child and ensure their overall health and well-being.
Remember, the well-being of your child is a top priority, so ensure they receive the necessary care and attention during their recovery from chickenpox. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritize your child’s health above all.

How you can treat chickenpox yourself

To manage chickenpox at home: stay hydrated, take paracetamol for pain relief, trim nails and cover hands at night, use cooling creams, inquire with a pharmacist about antihistamines, bathe in cool water, wear loose clothing. Refrain from using ibuprofen for skin infections and avoid scratching the spots to prevent scarring.

Important

Avoid contact with newborns, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems due to the risks associated with chickenpox. Contact your general practitioner if uncertain.

Urgent advice: Get advice from NHS 111 now if:

• Worsening symptoms
• Dehydration in a child
• Hot, painful, red skin around blisters
• Continuing breastfeeding while symptomatic
• Pregnancy without prior chickenpox infection
• Weakened immune system condition
• Newborn exhibiting symptoms

Call 111 for guidance, especially for children under 5. Some may require medication within 24 hours of spot appearance.

How chickenpox is spread

Chickenpox is contagious from 2 days before the rash emerges until the scabs form, typically 5 days later. Symptoms usually start appearing 1-3 weeks after exposure.

You can contract chickenpox by being in close proximity to infected individuals, direct contact with blister fluid, or exposure to shingles if you haven’t had chickenpox previously.

It is important to note that chickenpox can also be spread through airborne transmission, meaning that the virus can be inhaled from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes.

The chickenpox vaccine

If you are at risk of spreading chickenpox to immunocompromised individuals, consider getting vaccinated. Vaccination costs vary, and the vaccine is available through the NHS or private clinics.

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

It is recommended that you keep your child at home if they have chickenpox to prevent spreading the virus to others. Chickenpox is highly contagious, and it is best to keep them isolated until all the blisters have crusted over.

It is important to inform your employer about your child’s illness and discuss options for working from home or taking time off to care for them. Some workplaces may have specific policies regarding infectious diseases like chickenpox.

Isolating, time off and whether grandparents can help out – all your chickenpox parenting questions answered.

Recommendations for dealing with chickenpox – stay home until no longer contagious, manage symptoms, prevent transmission to vulnerable individuals, and assess work-related implications.

Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox?

If you are immune to chickenpox, there is no need to stay at home. Ensure proper care for children at home and consider the potential impact on colleagues. Given its high contagiousness, exercise caution.

So, should parents isolate if your child has chickenpox?

If uncertain about infection status, it is advisable to limit contact. An infected child should isolate, while others may not require isolation. Strive to avoid high-risk individuals, especially when in doubt.

How long should a child with chickenpox isolate?

A child with chickenpox remains contagious for at least 5 days after the rash first appears and 2 days prior. NHS recommends isolation during this period.

Can grandparents look after a child with chickenpox?

When considering grandparental care, ensure immunity. Adults face a higher risk of complications. Consult a healthcare professional if concerned.

Looking after a child with chickenpox

Provide comfort care for chickenpox by using cooling lotions, trimming nails, maintaining hydration, and managing fever. Seek medical advice for severe cases.

The NHS website advises against using ibuprofen unless specifically instructed.

When should you seek medical advice about chickenpox?

If you are unsure whether your child has chickenpox, contact your GP or NHS 111. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if you suspect dehydration. It’s important to seek medical advice if your child is experiencing a high fever, severe cough, or if the rash is very red, swollen, or tender.

For more information and guidance on managing chickenpox, visit the NHS website.

Should I get my child the chickenpox vaccine?

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam recommends vaccinating children against chickenpox to prevent severe illness. Vaccines are accessible in the US and Australia, with private options in the UK.

What is the work policy for chickenpox in the UK?

You are entitled to take time off to care for a dependent during emergencies. Discuss available support options with HR or your manager.

Rhiannon Evans is Senior Editor at Grazia, overseeing The Juggle platform for parenting advice and support.

Read our affiliate disclosure for more details.

Registered companies in England and Wales, VAT number 918 5617 01.

H Bauer Publishing is authorized by the FCA for credit broking (Ref No: 845898).