Chickenpox

What is chickenpox?

A very catching illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The virus stays in the body afterwards and can wake up years later as shingles.

Signs

An itchy rash of small blisters, often starting on the face and scalp, that turn into scabs over about a week. Fever and tiredness may come first.

How it spreads

Through coughs and sneezes, or touching fluid from the blisters. People can pass it on from a day or two before the rash until every blister has scabbed.

How to protect yourself

Keep away from people who have it, don't share towels or cups, and wash hands. Someone with chickenpox should stay home until all spots have crusted and dried.

Get medical help

Get medical advice for babies, pregnant women, adults and people with weak immune systems, who can get very ill. Seek help for breathing trouble or infected sores. Never give children aspirin.

In Dooram's words, from the World Health Organization. Source: WHO: Chickenpox (questions and answers), read 8 October 2026. General information, not medical advice.