What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (also known as varicella) is generally a mild illness in babies and children. It causes an itchy, red, blistering rash.

Chickenpox is caused by the same virus as shingles. After you've had chicken pox, the virus stays dormant in your system and may present as shingles later on in life. Both conditions are caused by the varicella zoster virus.

Although common in children, the virus can affect people of any age.

Healthy children get better quickly from chickenpox. However, doctors consider chickenpox serious because it can cause other health problems.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

If your baby or child has chickenpox, they will get a red, itchy rash. Usually this starts with a handful of spots in one area — like on their neck or chest. In a few hours, more spots will show up (these groups of spots are called 'crops').

After a few days, the rash will have spread and may cover most of their body.

The rash will turn into blisters filled with fluid. Over time, the blisters will pop and become crusty.

You will often see the rash in different stages. Some areas will have new red spots, some will have blisters and some will be crusty.

Your child may also feel unwell with a:

• headache
• sore throat
• fever — a temperature of 38°C or higher

Your child is most likely to have symptoms between 10 to 21 days after they are exposed to the virus.

What causes chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is highly contagious.

How is chickenpox spread?

It spreads quickly in places such as childcare centres, playgrounds and at home.

The virus can be spread in 2 ways:

• Through sneeze and cough droplets from an infected person.
• Through contact with fluid from an infected person's chickenpox blisters.

An infected child is contagious for 1 to 2 days before the rash appears.

They stay infectious until all their blisters have formed scabs. This might take 5 to 10 days.

When should I see my doctor?

If you think your child may have chickenpox, you should call your doctor straight away.

Do not go to the clinic because your child may infect other people in the waiting room. Rather, call your doctor and they will tell you the safest way to see them.

How is chickenpox diagnosed?

Your doctor can usually diagnose chickenpox simply by looking at the rash.

They can also arrange to test the fluid from your child's blisters for the varicella zoster virus.

How is chickenpox treated?

There is no special treatment for chickenpox.

Most children with chickenpox have mild symptoms and get better quickly, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Self-care at home

There are some things you can try at home to make your child more comfortable.

• Keep your child hydrated with water, jelly, icy poles, soup and other fluids.
• Soothing lotions and antihistamines can help with the itchiness.
• Paracetamol may help lower your child's fever.

Medicines for chickenpox

In most cases, a baby or child with chickenpox won't need any medicine.

Speak with your child's doctor if your child:

• has a more serious case of chickenpox
• has any other health conditions

Some children are given antiviral medicines for chickenpox.

What are the complications of chickenpox?

Most children with chickenpox have mild symptoms, but some can have more serious problems.

Serious complications of chickenpox can include inflammation in and around the brain — cerebellitis, meningitis or encephalitis.

People who are more likely to have a serious case of chickenpox are:

• very young babies (less than one week old)
• pregnant women
• adults
• teenagers
• people with immune system conditions

It's important to help stop your child from spreading chickenpox to others — especially to those who are unvaccinated.

Since the chickenpox vaccine became available in 2005, the number of children who need hospital treatment for chickenpox has dropped.

Can chickenpox be prevented?

The best protection against chickenpox is vaccination. This will stop most children from getting chickenpox.

The National Immunisation Program Schedule advises that all infants get vaccinated against chickenpox at 18 months of age. It offers free vaccinations for all infants who have or are eligible for a Medicare card.

Your child will get a combination vaccine which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV vaccine).

Some vaccinated children may get a very mild version of the illness and be less contagious.

Immunisation will also prevent your child getting shingles when they're older.

To locate a health service where you can have your child vaccinated, visit our Service Finder tool.

Read more

Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. Discover more about childhood vaccinations.

Read moreImmunisation and vaccinations for your child

How can I prevent the spread of chickenpox?

You can prevent the spread of chickenpox by keeping your child at home until their blisters are all dried.

Learn more about school exclusion periods.

Children with chickenpox shouldn't share their food, drinking cups, utensils or toys.

Hand hygiene is important for all members of the household. Older children should cover their sneezes and coughs and place used tissues straight in the rubbish bin.

It's especially important to keep a contagious child away from pregnant women. Chickenpox can be serious for both them and their baby.

Resources and support

If you want to know more about chickenpox in babies and young children, speak with your doctor.

Visit the Health Translation website for more information about the chickenpox vaccine in English and other languages.