What You Need to Know About Chickenpox

Understanding chickenpox in everyday terms

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. You may recognise it by its itchy, blistering rash, but chickenpox is more than just a skin condition. It is a whole-body viral infection that can cause fever, tiredness, and general unwellness, particularly in the early days. While many children recover without complications, the illness behaves very differently across age groups and health states.

How chickenpox typically develops

Chickenpox usually begins quietly. In the one to two days before the rash appears, you or your child may feel unwell, tired, or develop a low-grade fever or headache. The rash then emerges in crops, meaning new spots continue to appear over several days. These spots progress from red bumps to fluid-filled blisters before drying and forming scabs. It is common to see spots at different stages at the same time, which is a key clinical feature of chickenpox.

Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.

How the virus spreads

Chickenpox spreads very easily. The virus travels through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, and it can also spread through direct contact with fluid from the blisters. A person is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all blisters have fully crusted over. This is why chickenpox can move quickly through households, childcare centres, and schools.

Who is at higher risk of complications

For most healthy children, chickenpox is uncomfortable but self-limiting. However, the risk profile changes significantly for adults, pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. In these groups, chickenpox can lead to serious complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, dehydration, inflammation of the brain, or problems during pregnancy. This is why clinicians assess chickenpox differently depending on age, health history, and immune status.

How chickenpox is managed

Because chickenpox is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not effective. Management focuses on comfort and safety. Paracetamol can be used to relieve fever and discomfort. Measures to reduce itching, such as calamine lotion, lukewarm baths, or antihistamines, can help prevent scratching, which reduces the risk of scarring and secondary infection.

Certain medicines should be avoided. Aspirin must never be given to children with chickenpox, and many health authorities advise avoiding ibuprofen due to an increased risk of serious skin infections.

The link between chickenpox and shingles

After recovery, the virus does not leave the body. Instead, it remains dormant in nerve tissue and may reactivate years later as shingles. While shingles is a different illness, it is caused by the same virus. Importantly, a person with shingles can pass chickenpox to someone who is not immune.

Prevention through vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent chickenpox and its complications. In Australia, the varicella vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. Vaccination not only reduces the risk of catching chickenpox but also significantly lowers the chance of severe disease. In some cases, vaccination shortly after exposure can reduce the severity of illness.

When to speak with your GP

If chickenpox occurs in an adult, during pregnancy, in infancy, or in someone with reduced immunity, early medical advice is important. Your GP can assess risk, provide guidance, and arrange further care if needed.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.