Chickenpox is caught by being exposed to someone who is already infected with the varicella‑zoster virus, usually through the air or direct contact with their spots. It is highly contagious, especially in homes, schools and childcare settings.

How do you catch chickenpox?

Chickenpox spreads when the virus moves from an infected person to someone who has never had chickenpox and is not vaccinated. Most people catch it as children, but unvaccinated adults can get it too and often become more unwell.

Main ways it spreads

  • Breathing in tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks near you.
  • Being in the same room as someone with chickenpox, even without close touching, can be enough because the virus is very contagious.
  • Touching the fluid from the blisters (for example, when caring for a sick child, sharing a bed, or scratching and then touching someone else).
  • Touching objects or surfaces (bedding, clothes, towels, toys) that have blister fluid or respiratory secretions on them, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
  • Being close to someone who has shingles, if you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, can give you chickenpox (but you cannot “catch” shingles itself from them).

When is it contagious?

  • A person starts spreading chickenpox about 1–2 days before any spots appear, so you can catch it before anyone realizes they are ill.
  • They stay contagious until all the blisters have crusted and formed scabs, which is usually around 5 days after the spots first appear.
  • After you “catch” it, it usually takes about 1–3 weeks before your own spots show up.

Who is most at risk?

  • People who have never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated.
  • Household contacts of a sick person (siblings, parents, flatmates), because the virus spreads easily in close living spaces.
  • Staff and children in schools, nurseries and daycare centres, where many people share the same air and surfaces.

How to reduce your chances of catching it

  • Get vaccinated if it is offered where you live; vaccination greatly reduces your risk and usually makes illness milder if you do get it.
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles if you are not immune, especially during the contagious period.
  • Wash hands regularly, avoid sharing towels, bedding, clothes or utensils, and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • People with chickenpox should stay at home and away from high‑risk groups (pregnant people, newborns, and those with weak immune systems) until all spots have crusted.

If you think you have been exposed to chickenpox and you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or are unsure of your immunity, contact a healthcare professional urgently for personalized advice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.