Chickenpox is a common illness. Anyone can catch it, but it is most common in children under 10 years old. It usually causes mild symptoms that take 1 to 2 weeks to clear.¹

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. It is highly contagious, meaning it easily passes from person-to-person. ¹

Chickenpox can be caught anytime. ¹

The most common symptom of chickenpox is a red, itchy rash across the body.¹

The rash has 3 stages.²

Your child may not get any other symptoms but sometimes they may:

Sometimes, your child may have a severe reaction and you may need to contact your GP or 111 for more advice.¹

Call your GP or 111 if your child:

Chickenpox can usually be managed at home. There are different ways you can improve your child’s symptoms.

These include:

If you live with someone who has a weakened immune system (vulnerable person), for example, someone who is having cancer treatment, you and your household may be able to get the chickenpox vaccine for free with the NHS.²

People with weakened immune systems should avoid getting the vaccine.⁴

If you are worried about you or your child getting chickenpox but don’t live with a vulnerable person, you can still get the chickenpox vaccine, but you will have to pay.²

Chicken pox vaccines are available at your local Well pharmacy.

Chickenpox is easily passed on from person-to-person. Your child can catch chickenpox just by being in the same room with someone with the virus.²

From the day before they get a rash to the day their rash has dried and crusted over (approximately 5 days), your child can pass on chickenpox.³

That is why your child must stay off school until their rash has dried.³

Your child should also stay away from people with low immunity, pregnant women and infants who are less than 4 weeks old.³