Protecting others

A person with chickenpox is infectious from two days before the rash first appears until all the spots have crusted over (commonly about 5-6 days after onset of the rash). When a child is infectious keep him or her off school or nursery and also away from "at risk" people who may get a severe illness if they get chickenpox.

These include:

* Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox in the past. Chickenpox can be severe and cause complications during pregnancy.
* People with a poorly functioning immune system. For example, people with leukaemia, with HIV/AIDS, on steroid medication, or who are taking chemotherapy.
* The "at risk" children listed earlier.

Healthy adults who have not had chickenpox may also want to avoid catching it as the illness tends to be worse in adults.

Note: people with chickenpox should not travel by air until six days after the last spot appeared.

Are you a healthcare worker?

Healthcare workers come into contact with people with poor immune systems, pregnant women and newborn babies. They should be aware that if they catch chickenpox, they can be infectious for two days before a rash or illness appears, and be a risk to patients. So, if you are a healthcare worker and come into contact with someone who has chickenpox (or who develops it within the next two days), then:

* If you have been immunised against chickenpox, or have definitely had chickenpox in the past, you are likely to be immune. You should continue working, but contact your occupational health department if you feel unwell or develop a rash.
* If you are uncertain about whether you have had chickenpox or been immunised, you should have a test to see if you are immune.
If you are not immune you should: o Avoid contact with high-risk patients for 8–21 days after the contact.
o Report to occupational health before patient contact if you feel unwell or develop a fever or rash.
o Get immunised against the varicella zoster virus (chickenpox virus).