Chickenpox is a common infection that causes an itchy blistering rash and mild flu like symptoms.

Many parents ask the same question. When is chickenpox contagious and how long does it last.

This article explains the symptoms, how long people stay infectious and when it is usually safe to return to school, nursery or work.

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. Once you catch it, the virus stays in the body and can later cause shingles.

It is most common in children, especially those under ten. Many adults in the United Kingdom are already immune because they had chickenpox as children.

Adults can still catch chickenpox if they have never had it before or never had the vaccine. They often feel more unwell than children.

Understanding when chickenpox is contagious helps protect vulnerable people. This includes pregnant people, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system.

When Is Chickenpox Contagious?

According to NHS guidance, people with chickenpox are contagious from around two days before the spots appear.

They stay contagious until all the spots have formed a scab. For most people this is about five days after the rash first appears.

Are You Contagious Before Symptoms Start?

A person can spread the virus before the rash is visible. This is because the virus is present in the nose and throat before spots show.

Early symptoms can include a mild fever, feeling tired, headache and general aches. These can start a day or so before the first spots.

When Is Chickenpox No Longer Contagious?

Chickenpox is usually no longer contagious when both of these are true.

All blisters have formed a dry scab. No new spots are appearing.

For many children in Fulham and across West London this point is reached about five days after the spots first appeared.

How Does Chickenpox Spread?

Chickenpox spreads very easily. You can catch it by breathing in tiny droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes.

It also spreads through direct contact with fluid from the blisters or from objects that have the fluid on them, such as bedding or clothing.

Sharing a home, classroom or nursery room makes spread very likely. Siblings, classmates and close friends in places like Fulham, Hammersmith, Kensington and Putney often catch it from each other.

Common Symptoms and Stages of Chickenpox

Early Symptoms

• Before the rash, common early symptoms can include:
• Feeling generally unwell
• Mild to moderate fever
• Aches and pains
• Loss of appetite

Rash Stages

The rash usually:

Starts as small red spots

Becomes raised and forms fluid filled blisters

Blisters then burst and form scabs or crusts

Spots often begin on the face, chest and back, then spread across the body. Different spots can be at different stages at the same time.

When Should Children Stay Off Nursery or School?

Children should stay off nursery or school from the time the rash appears.

NHS advice is that they should remain at home until all spots have formed a scab, which is usually five days after the spots first appeared.

Once scabbed, and if they are feeling well in themselves, most children can safely return to nursery or school in Fulham or surrounding areas.

Who Is Most at Risk from Chickenpox?

Chickenpox can be more serious for certain groups. These include:

Pregnant people who are not immune to chickenpox

Newborn babies

People with a weakened immune system, for example due to chemotherapy or certain medicines.

Adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine

If you or your child has chickenpox, try to avoid contact with these higher risk groups while infectious.

When to Seek Medical Advice Urgently

Contact a doctor or NHS 111 urgently if you notice:

Trouble breathing or chest pain

Very drowsy behaviour, confusion or a severe headache

Signs of skin infection around the spots such as pain, heat or spreading redness

Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears or fewer wet nappies

Pregnant people, newborn babies and anyone with a weakened immune system should seek advice early if exposed to chickenpox or if a rash appears.

This article is for general information only and does not replace personalised advice from a healthcare professional.

Caring for Chickenpox at Home

Most children can be cared for at home with simple measures.

Offer plenty of fluids. Dress them in loose, comfortable clothing and keep the room cool.

Cooling creams or gels from a pharmacy can soothe the skin. Your pharmacist may also suggest an antihistamine to help ease itching, especially at night.

Paracetamol can help with pain and fever. Ibuprofen should not be used unless a doctor specifically advises it. Do not give aspirin to children under sixteen.

Keep nails short and encourage gentle patting rather than scratching. This can reduce the chance of scarring or skin infection.

Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?

Most people who have had chickenpox are protected for life. Second episodes are uncommon but can occur.

The same virus can reactivate years later and cause shingles, which presents as a painful localised rash.

Can Chickenpox Be Prevented?

Chickenpox can be prevented through vaccination. In NHS settings it is mainly offered to people who are in close contact with someone at higher risk of serious illness and to certain healthcare workers.

Fulham Palace Pharmacy provides a private chickenpox vaccination service for adults and children who are eligible, including families from Fulham, Chelsea, Battersea, Hammersmith, Putney and Kensington.

Vaccination helps protect the person who receives it and can also reduce the chance of passing the virus on to vulnerable people around them.

FAQs About Chickenpox and Contagiousness

How long is the incubation period for chickenpox?

It usually takes about one to three weeks from catching the virus to developing symptoms.nhs.uk

Can adults catch chickenpox from children?

Yes. Adults who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine can catch it through close contact with an infectious child.nhs.uk+1

Is chickenpox still contagious after the scabs appear?

Once all spots have formed dry scabs and no new spots are appearing, it is usually no longer contagious.

Can siblings share a bedroom if one has chickenpox?

If they are not immune, they are likely to catch it. Many families accept this, but extra care is needed if anyone in the household is higher risk.

Can my child see grandparents while they have chickenpox?

Avoid contact with grandparents who are pregnant, have long term health conditions or are not sure they had chickenpox or the vaccine. Seek advice if unsure.nhs.uk+1

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Chickenpox is contagious from about two days before the rash until all spots have formed scabs.
• This is usually around five days after the first spots appear.
• Extra care is needed to protect pregnant people, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.
• Seek urgent advice if breathing problems, severe rash, confusion or dehydration occur.nhs.uk

Need Advice About Chickenpox?

If you live in Fulham, Kensington, Hammersmith, Putney, Chelsea, Battersea or the wider West London area and are worried about chickenpox, the team at Fulham Palace Pharmacy is ready to help.

You can book a chickenpox vaccine appointment online, visit the pharmacy for face to face advice or call to speak to a pharmacist for practical guidance about symptoms, caring at home and protecting vulnerable family members.