Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is an acute infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is most commonly seen in children under 10 years old but can occur in adults who have not been infected in childhood.
Chickenpox may begin with flu-like symptoms, followed by a high temperature and an intensely itchy, blister-like rash. Clusters of these spots appear over 3 to 5 days, mostly on the trunk, although they can appear on arms and legs.
The severity of infection can vary and it is possible to be infected but show no symptoms.
What is Shingles?
Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is reactivation of the virus in people who have had previous infection with chickenpox. It is most common in adults. Up to 1 in 5 people develop Shingles during their lifetime. It is not known what causes the virus to reactivate but it is usually associated with conditions that weaken the immune system.
The first symptom of shingles is usually pain and itching in the area of the affected nerve – most commonly the chest. A rash of fluid-filled blisters then appears on the affected area, typically on one side of the body. The rash usually lasts for about 7 days but the pain may be present for longer.
How are Chickenpox and Shingles treated?
There is no specific treatment for chickenpox.
Chickenpox and shingles can be treated with oral antiviral drugs such as acyclovir.
Is Chickenpox and Shingles Contagious?
Chickenpox is highly contagious. The infection is spread by direct person to person contact, through droplets of saliva or nasal mucus coughed out by an infected person, or through contact with contaminated items, such as clothing and bedding.
The time from becoming infected to when symptoms first appear is from 10 to 21 days. The most infectious period is from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears, until all the spots have crusted over – usually about 5 or 6 days after the onset of illness.
Shingles is spread by person to person contact or contact with blister fluid. Shingles is no longer infectious when the lesions have crusted over and are dry.
Are Some People More at Risk of Infection than Others?
Anyone who has not had chickenpox before may be at risk of catching it if they are in contact with a person with chickenpox or shingles. It is not possible to catch shingles from a person with chickenpox.
Chickenpox is usually a mild illness and most healthy children recover with no complications. Certain groups of people, however, such as newborn babies, adults, pregnant women, smokers and people with weakened immune systems, may be at more risk of complications. If you are pregnant and have no history of chickenpox, please let your Midwife know.
Infected people who are at higher risk of developing complications may be treated with anti-viral drugs to prevent severe illness developing.
How can Chickenpox be Prevented?
Vaccination is not given routinely to all children but is available in the UK to close contacts of those people considered to be at high risk of severe chickenpox or shingles infection. The vaccine can also be used for healthy adults who are not immune to varicella virus.
The vaccination is recommended for healthcare workers with no history of chickenpox or shingles infection who do not have immunity to the virus.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Infection prevention and control (IPC) service.
About this information
Service:
Infection prevention and control (IPC)
Reference:
LL/004
Approval date:
23 December 2024
Review date:
1 December 2027
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.