How to Prevent Chickenpox In 2025
Chickenpox has long been thought of as a harmless childhood illness, a rite of passage marked by itchy red spots and a few days off school. However, while often mild, chickenpox can cause serious complications in certain groups such as pregnant women, infants, adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
In the United Kingdom, this contagious disease is now gaining attention as the NHS prepares to roll out a free chickenpox vaccine for all young children starting January 2026. This blog will explain what chickenpox is, why it can be dangerous, how to care for someone affected, and steps you can take to prevent it, while answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the illness.
What is Chickenpox?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with the fluid in chickenpox blisters. Although it is most common in children, anyone without prior immunity can contract it, including adults, who often experience more severe symptoms.
In most children, chickenpox is mild and resolves on its own. However, complications though rare can include infections of the skin, brain inflammation, lung infections (pneumonitis), and, in extremely rare cases, stroke or death. The virus remains in the body after recovery and can reactivate later in life as shingles, making prevention important not just in childhood but across a lifetime.
Recent attention in the UK is largely due to the NHS decision to offer a free MMRV vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) to all children from January 2026, with a catch-up campaign for older children who may have missed out. Until now, parents who wanted to vaccinate their children against chickenpox had to pay privately, often up to £200.
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Chickenpox typically begins with early symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. These may last one to two days before the classic red, itchy rash appears. The rash often starts on the face and trunk, spreading to other parts of the body, with blisters that eventually crust over and heal.
The incubation period of the virus ranges from 10 to 21 days, and individuals are contagious from roughly two days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted. In adults, chickenpox may be harder to recognize, so if you suspect infection, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for confirmation. Blood tests may be conducted if you are unsure about previous exposure or immunity.
Why Chickenpox Can Be Dangerous
While many cases of chickenpox are mild, the illness can pose significant risks to certain groups:
- Pregnant women: Chickenpox can cause serious complications for both the mother and the unborn child.
- Newborns and infants: Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable.
- Adults and immunocompromised people: Adults often experience more severe symptoms and complications compared to children.
Potential complications include encephalitis (swelling of the brain), pneumonitis (lung inflammation), bacterial skin infections, and, in rare cases, stroke or death. The presence of these risks emphasizes the importance of both vaccination and proper care for anyone exposed to or infected with the virus.
Experts like Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) describe the vaccine as a potential life saver, while Prof Adam Finn, a paediatrician and JCVI member, warns that chickenpox is often dismissed as trivial but can be a rotten illness. He adds that with vaccination, chickenpox is going to be a thing of the past in the near future.
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Caring for someone with chickenpox involves both medical guidance and practical home care. Here’s what you need to know:
Rest and Isolation
Individuals with chickenpox should stay home and avoid contact with others, particularly those who are vulnerable (pregnant women, infants, immunocompromised people) until all blisters have crusted over. This helps reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Comfort Measures
Several strategies can help relieve symptoms:
- Calamine lotion can soothe itchy blisters. Apply according to instructions (usually multiple times per day).
- Oatmeal baths or cool compresses can reduce itching and discomfort.
- Loose, soft clothing is recommended to prevent irritation, particularly during sleep.
- Daily gentle showering or bathing is allowed and can help keep the skin clean, but avoid hot water or harsh scrubbing.
Medical Advice
Seek professional care if there are breathing difficulties, severe rash, high fever, dehydration, or if a pregnant woman is exposed. Antiviral medications may be recommended in some cases, especially for high-risk groups.
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Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration is important during recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Soft foods like soups, smoothies, and fruits can soothe irritation in the mouth if blisters appear.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods, which may aggravate symptoms.
Other key tips include avoiding scratching, keeping fingernails trimmed, and limiting contact with others. These measures not only promote faster recovery but also reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Prevention and Vaccination
Preventing chickenpox primarily involves hygiene, isolation, and vaccination.
Hygiene Measures
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Keep fingernails short to reduce scratching and infection risk.
- Avoid close contact with those who are vulnerable until all symptoms have resolved.
Vaccination
The chickenpox vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection.
- Current NHS guidance (pre-2026): Available mainly to those in close contact with high-risk individuals or certain healthcare workers.
- New NHS rollout (Jan 2026): Free MMRV vaccine for all children in the UK, given in two doses at 12 and 18 months, with a catch-up program for older children.
- Vaccine effectiveness: About 98% in children, 75% in adults.
- Side effects are generally mild (swelling at the injection site, mild fever, or temporary rash). Severe allergic reactions are very rare.
Long-Term Protection: Chickenpox vs. Shingles
After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later as shingles, a painful rash often affecting older adults. The NHS offers shingles vaccines to adults aged 65 and above, or younger adults with compromised immunity. While you cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox, a person who has never had chickenpox can contract the virus from someone with shingles.
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How to confirm chickenpox in adults?
Adults can usually recognize chickenpox by the classic itchy red blisters, often starting on the torso and face and spreading outward. Early symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headache can also appear. If you’re unsure, a doctor can confirm diagnosis based on medical history, visible rash, and sometimes a blood test to check immunity.
Can we take a bath in chickenpox?
Yes, bathing is safe and recommended. Warm (not hot) baths, especially with oatmeal or mild soap, can soothe itching and keep the skin clean. Avoid scrubbing the rash, and gently pat the skin dry afterward.
How long does it take for chickenpox to go away?
Chickenpox typically resolves within 7–10 days after the rash appears. New blisters usually stop forming after 4–5 days, and crusts form over the blisters by the end of the first week. Complete healing may take a little longer depending on severity and individual health.
How to make chickenpox heal faster?
While there’s no medication to instantly cure chickenpox, you can speed up recovery and reduce discomfort by:
- Applying calamine lotion to itchy spots.
- Taking lukewarm oatmeal baths.
- Using antihistamines (if advised by a doctor) to reduce itching.
- Resting and staying hydrated.
- Avoid scratching to prevent secondary infections.
What not to eat during chickenpox?
Avoid foods that can irritate the mouth or skin, such as:
- Spicy and acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, chili).
- Fried or greasy foods.
- Hard or scratchy foods that may irritate blisters inside the mouth.
Focus on soft, cooling, and hydrating foods like soups, porridge, smoothies, and fruits.
How many days should I rest for chickenpox?
Most children and adults need at least 7–10 days of rest, ideally staying home until all blisters have crusted over to prevent spreading the virus. Children may return to school once fully recovered and adults can resume work if symptoms are mild and they no longer have an active rash.
What cream is good for chickenpox?
- Calamine lotion is the most commonly recommended for itching relief.
- Aloe vera or mild moisturizers can help soothe skin.
- Avoid steroid creams unless prescribed by a doctor.
Apply creams gently and avoid scratching to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
How to stop chickenpox from spreading?
- Isolate the infected person until all blisters have crusted.
- Avoid contact with pregnant women, infants, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Wash hands frequently and use separate towels and bedding.
- Cover coughs and sneezes to reduce droplet spread.
Should I shower every day with chickenpox?
- Yes, daily showers or baths are safe and encouraged to keep the skin clean and prevent secondary infections. Use lukewarm water and gentle, non-irritating soap. Pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.
What to wear to bed with chickenpox?
- Loose, soft cotton clothing reduces irritation and allows the skin to breathe.
- Avoid tight or synthetic fabrics, which can trap heat and worsen itching.
- Some parents prefer light pajamas or long-sleeve cotton tops to cover blisters and prevent scratching during sleep.
How many times should I apply calamine lotion for chickenpox?
Calamine lotion can be applied 2–3 times per day or as needed to relieve itching. Always follow instructions on the product and reapply after bathing or washing to maintain soothing effects.
What not to do with chickenpox?
- Do not scratch blisters, as this increases the risk of scarring and infection.
- Avoid close contact with vulnerable people (pregnant women, infants, immunocompromised individuals).
- Don’t take aspirin, as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition in children.
- Avoid hot baths, harsh soaps, or heavy ointments that may irritate the skin.
Conclusion
Chickenpox is more than just an itchy rash, it can have serious consequences for vulnerable individuals and contribute to economic and social burdens due to lost productivity. While most cases in children are mild, vaccination is the safest and most effective prevention method. With the NHS introducing a free chickenpox vaccine for all children from January 2026, parents can protect their families while also reducing the risk of severe illness.
Practical care like isolation, hygiene, proper nutrition, and symptom management remains essential. By staying informed, following NHS guidance, and consulting healthcare professionals when needed, you can ensure that chickenpox is a manageable condition rather than a dangerous one.
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