Is chickenpox infectious?
Yes, it is very infectious. The virus travels in the air and then settles on clothes, bedding, etc. It takes 11-20 days to develop symptoms after catching the virus (the 'incubation period').
Protecting others
A person with chickenpox is infectious from 2-4 days before the rash first appears until all the spots have crusted over (commonly about 5-6 days after onset of the illness). You can usually return to work after this time if you feel well enough. Whilst you are infectious, keep away from people who may get a severe illness if they get chickenpox. These are:
- Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox in the past.
- People with a poor immune system. For example, people with leukaemia, with HIV/AIDS, on high dose steroid medication, or are taking chemotherapy.
Healthy people who have not had chickenpox may also want to avoid catching it. So, friends and family who have not had chickenpox may wish avoid you whilst you are infectious. However, most healthy adults and many children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune.
© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: June 2006 PRODIGY Validated
Where to next?
- Chicken pox: Under the microscope
- Your tips: Relieving the symptoms of chicken pox
- Expert advice: Why it's best to have chicken pox young
- Shingles: Facts and information
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chris, about 1 year
My three year old grandson has just come down with chickenpox, we did not know it was chickenpox until today, he stayed with me yesterday and i would like to know if i could be a carrier. i had chickenpox when i was 26 an it was very painful. As i work with the general public could you give me some advice. Thank you.
Report this commentjulie walker, about 1 year
my son has just come out in spots today and his father lives with his elderly parents that are very poorly and have been told not to come in to contact with chicken pox but with his father living there i was wondering if he would have to stay away as i dont want his parents to come down with it and would i have to stay away from my parents as they are both diebetic and how long dose this last for thank you julie x
Report this commentangela, about 1 year
my daughter has just come out in spot's today (saturday) she has gone to stay with her grandparent's as i suffer with lupus and am on azapriothine how long will she have to stay there.
Report this commentdanni, over 2 years
my daughter has chicken pox and her first spot apeared yesterday but i live with my farther who has termanl lung cance he is on pain releif (morphine) do you think i should stay at my mums until my daughter is rid of the chicken pox??? thanx danni
Report this commentBethany and Lily, over 2 years
this website helped us with our school work in science!! lol thnax bbz lovexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Report this commentShazz, over 2 years
Just found out today(20/02/08) that my 5 yr old daughter has chickenpox. I am thinking of returning to work at a primary school on monday where i have a pregnant collegue. I have already had chicken pox as a young child, but I am worried that i may be infectious because my friends daughter had it in the new year and my friends boyfriend caught it but he had no contact with her daughter. Please could somene give me some advise. I did call my Dr but wasn't much help. Thank you.
Report this commentJane, over 2 years
My husband was going to visit his family this weekend but his mother has said no as our 5 yr old is just recovering from chickenpox.The first spots appeared last Friday, when we saw the doctor on Tuesday he said that our son was not infectious from Wednesday.Is there any way my husband could carry this virus to his family (his sister is on chemotherapy)?thanks for your responses.Jane
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Davina Herman, 10 months
My 4 year old son has today come out in chicken poxs. (Sat 16th May). We are due to fly to Europe on Wednesday 20th May. Is this possible?
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