Chickenpox is a very common childhood illness caused by the varicella zoster virus.
For most children, it’s an uncomfortable but temporary infection that passes without serious problems.
However, for some people, chickenpox can lead to complications, and understanding when to seek medical advice is important.
At Kent Family Medical, we are here to help families navigate the symptoms, risks, and vaccination options available.
What Are the Symptoms of Chickenpox?
Typical chickenpox symptoms appear in stages. The illness often begins with a fever, headache, tiredness, and general irritability.
Within a day or two, the hallmark rash develops:
- Small red spots that quickly turn into fluid-filled blisters
- Spots often start on the chest, back, or face and then spread across the body
- Blisters eventually burst and scab over before healing
The rash usually comes in waves, meaning new spots may appear for several days while older ones are healing. This can make the illness feel longer than it is.
Other common symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling achy or run down
- Itchy skin that can disturb sleep
How Does Chickenpox Start?
Chickenpox usually begins after exposure to someone with the virus.
It is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, and direct contact with the rash.
The incubation period (the time from infection to first symptoms) is around 10 to 21 days.
How Long Does Chickenpox Last?
Chickenpox typically lasts 5 to 10 days. Children are usually contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until every blister has scabbed over.
This is why schools and nurseries often ask parents to keep children at home until recovery is complete.
Who Is Most at Risk from Chickenpox?
For the majority of healthy children, chickenpox is unpleasant but manageable at home.
However, certain groups are at higher risk of complications, including:
- Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox
- Newborn babies whose mothers have not had chickenpox
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant medication
In these cases, exposure to chickenpox should be treated as urgent, and medical advice must be sought immediately.
Possible Complications
Although serious complications are uncommon, they can occur. These include:
- Secondary bacterial infections of the skin, which may need antibiotics
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Sepsis, in very severe cases
Children and adults with chickenpox should avoid scratching, as this can increase the risk of scarring and skin infections.
Avoid Ibuprofen and Aspirin (“NSAIDS”)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are linked to an increased risk of severe bacterial skin infections during chickenpox, which can be life-threatening.
Ibuprofen should be avoided during chickenpox. Aspirin should be avoided at all times in all children under 16 years of age unless it has been recommended by a specialist.
Paracetamol is acceptable to be used for fever and discomfort during chickenpox, since it is not an NSAID.
Chickenpox and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and unsure if you’ve had chickenpox before, it’s important to check your immunity status. A blood test can confirm whether you have antibodies.
Contracting chickenpox during pregnancy can be dangerous for both mother and baby, so prevention and early medical support are essential.
Can You Get Chickenpox Twice?
Most people who have had chickenpox once develop immunity and won’t get it again.
However, very mild first infections may not produce full immunity, and rare repeat cases have been documented.
People with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable.
Chickenpox Vaccination
In autumn 2023, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that chickenpox vaccination be added to the UK’s routine childhood schedule at 12 and 18 months, with a catch-up programme for older children who may have missed natural exposure during the pandemic.
The government has since confirmed that the rollout is expected to begin in early 2026, delivered as a combined MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella).
Chickenpox will also become a notifiable disease in the UK, which means all cases will need to be reported to the UK Health Security Agency to help monitor and evaluate the impact of vaccination.
Until the national programme begins, the chickenpox vaccine is still only available privately in the UK.
It is given in two doses, at least four weeks apart, and offers strong protection against infection – about 90% effective overall. One dose can prevent around 95% of moderate illness and almost all severe cases.
While some vaccinated children may still develop a very mild rash, vaccination almost completely removes the risk of serious complications and greatly reduces the likelihood of shingles later in life.
Side effects are usually mild, such as temporary soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, or a small chickenpox-like rash in a small number of cases.
The vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, which means it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems. For those planning a pregnancy and unsure of their immunity, it’s advisable to check their status in advance and consider vaccination beforehand.
Why Consider Vaccination?
Choosing the chickenpox vaccination helps:
- Protect children from a distressing illness
- Reduce the spread of chickenpox in schools and nurseries
- Lower the risk of complications in vulnerable groups
- Decrease the chance of shingles in adulthood
At Kent Family Medical, we offer private chickenpox vaccination for children and adults who want protection now, without waiting for a national rollout.
Final Thoughts
Chickenpox is often seen as a “normal” part of childhood, but it can be more serious in certain groups.
Knowing the symptoms of chickenpox, how long it lasts, and when to seek help is important for keeping your family safe.
Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent the illness and its complications, and private options are available now.
If you’d like advice on chickenpox, or to arrange a private vaccination, please get in touch with the team at Kent Family Medical.