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Chickenpox (Varicella) - What Increases Your Risk

You are at risk for chickenpox if you have not had chickenpox or the vaccine and you:

Live with someone who has chickenpox.
Are indoors for more than 1 hour with someone who has chickenpox.
Are in the hospital and share a room with someone who later develops chickenpox or are cared for by a staff member who later develops chickenpox.
Have an impaired immune system.

Your risk of getting chickenpox is especially high if you are exposed to a household member with chickenpox, because of the close contact. Also, you may develop a more severe case than the person who infected you. Chickenpox is most contagious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until the blisters have dried and formed crusts.

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Understanding Chickenpox -- the Basics

Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterized by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is usually mild in children, but adults run the risk of serious complications, such as bacterial pneumonia. People who have had chickenpox almost always develop lifetime immunity (meaning you can't get it again). However, the virus remains dormant in the body, and it can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Because the chickenpox virus can pass from...

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Some people also are at increased risk of complications from chickenpox, such as newborns, teenagers, adults-especially pregnant women-and those with impaired immune systems.

After you have had chickenpox or the vaccine, you become immune to the virus. It is possible that you may have a slight reaction after reexposure, such as a few spots and a slight fever. But you are not likely to get chickenpox more than once.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 30, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.