How do you get chickenpox?

Close indoor contact can allow virus-containing respiratory particles to reach another person. Touching fluid from an open blister is another route. Infection can occur before the rash is recognised, and contagiousness continues while fresh blisters are forming. Someone who has had chickenpox or received vaccination may have protection, but protection is not a reason to deliberately seek exposure. Shingles does not give another person shingles; blister fluid can instead transmit varicella to someone who is not immune, causing chickenpox.

Write down when and how the contact happened, then avoid further close contact with vulnerable people until you receive advice. Wash hands, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, and do not share towels or clothing. Contact a GP or vaccination service promptly if the exposed person is pregnant, immunocompromised, a newborn, or unsure of their immunity. Vaccination or antiviral treatment may be considered in selected situations, so timing matters.

Call a clinician if fever, tiredness, or an itchy rash develops after exposure, particularly when the diagnosis is unclear. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, repeated vomiting, or a severe headache with neck stiffness. Tell the service about possible chickenpox before arriving so other patients can be protected.

Ask whether the contact was significant, whether immunity can be checked from your history, whether vaccination is appropriate, and which early symptoms should prompt review. Include pregnancy status, immune conditions, and medicines in the discussion.