Chickenpox: What Every Parent Should Know About the Risks

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It is most commonly seen in children and is characterised by an itchy blister-like rash, fever and a general feeling of being unwell.

Before the introduction of chickenpox vaccination in many countries, it was considered a routine part of childhood, with most people becoming infected at some point during their early years. Although most children recover fully without complications, chickenpox remains a viral infection that can occasionally cause more serious illness.

Why Is Chickenpox Often Considered Mild?

Many adults remember having chickenpox as children and recovering without any lasting problems. Because of this, chickenpox is often viewed as an unavoidable and relatively harmless childhood illness. In most cases, symptoms are mild — children typically develop the characteristic rash and recover within one to two weeks.

However, the fact that most cases are mild can sometimes lead people to underestimate the potential impact of the disease. Like many infections, the severity of chickenpox can vary significantly from person to person.

How Common Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is one of the most infectious childhood illnesses. The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with the fluid from chickenpox blisters. Because it is so contagious, outbreaks frequently occur in nurseries, schools and households.

If one child develops chickenpox, it is not uncommon for other family members who have not previously had the infection to become unwell as well. This high level of transmission is one reason why chickenpox has historically been so common.

What Complications Can Chickenpox Cause?

Most children recover without any significant problems. However, complications can sometimes occur. The most common complication is a bacterial infection of the skin, which can happen when children scratch itchy blisters and allow bacteria to enter.

In some cases, chickenpox can also lead to more serious complications:

While these complications are uncommon, they highlight that chickenpox is not always a mild illness — and remain one reason healthcare professionals continue to take the disease seriously.

Is Chickenpox More Serious in Some People?

Yes. Certain groups are more likely to experience severe illness or complications from chickenpox.

• Adults who have never had chickenpox — often experience more severe symptoms and are more likely to develop complications such as pneumonia
• Pregnant women — chickenpox can pose risks to both mother and baby, particularly if infection occurs during pregnancy
• Newborn babies
• People with weakened immune systems

Understanding immunity status can be important for some individuals — particularly those planning a pregnancy or who are unsure whether they have previously been infected.

The Impact on Families

Even when complications do not occur, chickenpox can still cause significant disruption. Children may need to stay away from nursery or school until all blisters have crusted over, and parents or carers may need to take time off work to care for an unwell child.

In households with multiple children, infection can sometimes spread from one child to another over several weeks, prolonging disruption for the entire family. For many families, the impact of chickenpox extends well beyond the symptoms themselves.

Why Prevention Is Becoming a Growing Consideration

As awareness of chickenpox complications has increased, more parents are exploring ways to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination is widely used in many countries around the world and has been shown to reduce the likelihood of developing chickenpox and its associated complications.

For families who wish to avoid the disruption and potential risks associated with chickenpox, vaccination is becoming an increasingly common consideration. Understanding the risks and benefits allows parents to make informed decisions about their child’s health.

What to Do Next

Chickenpox is often thought of as a routine childhood illness, and most children do recover fully without complications. However, it is important to recognise that chickenpox can sometimes cause more serious illness and may have a significant impact on children, adults and families.

If you would like to learn more about chickenpox vaccination or discuss whether Varilrix® may be suitable for you or your child, our team at The Kingston Pharmacy can help. We can provide personalised advice and answer any questions you may have about chickenpox prevention and vaccination.