How long is chickenpox contagious?

A person can spread the virus before the first spots are noticed, because early symptoms may resemble a mild viral illness. Fresh crops of spots can appear over several days, so the contagious period does not end simply because some older lesions are crusted. Wait until all lesions are dry and crusted before close contact, school, work, or childcare, following local clinical advice. The illness may include [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) and itchy [Skin Blisters](/symptoms/skin-blisters/).

Keep the person at home and avoid close contact with pregnant people, newborns, and people with weakened immunity. Do not share towels, bedding, clothing, or personal items. Covering the rash with loose clothing may reduce scratching and accidental contact, but it does not replace staying away from vulnerable people. Tell a GP about a significant exposure, particularly when the exposed person may need [Chickenpox Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/chickenpox-vaccination/).

Seek prompt advice after exposure if the contact is pregnant, a newborn, immunocompromised, or taking immune-suppressing medicine. Get urgent help for trouble breathing, unusual confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, or eye involvement. Contact a clinician if fever worsens, the rash becomes painful and hot, or the person cannot drink. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can clarify isolation and treatment decisions.

Ask how to recognise that the final blister has crusted, when normal activities can restart, whether exposed household members need vaccination, and whether [Antiviral Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/antiviral-therapy/) or [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) is suitable.