Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection that most people come into contact with when they are children.

As an illness it’s almost an instantly recognisable rash made up of itchy and inflamed pimples that quickly change into blisters that then crust over to form scabs. It can vary in severity and different people can have different amount of pimples. It is not unheard of for sufferers to have over 400+ blister dotted all over their bodies.

Adults may suffer more life-threatening symptoms, including pneumonia. In people with reduced immunity, chickenpox can be fatal. This is why the vaccine for chickenpox is becoming more popular in recent years.

How does Chickenpox spread?

Chickenpox is spread by inhaling droplets coughed up by people infected with the virus, or by physical touch. People with chickenpox become contagious about two days before the rash becomes visible, which can make it harder to avoid becoming infected.

Where is chickenpox found? 

Chickenpox is prevalent in all countries worldwide. Childhood vaccination is used routinely in the U.S., Canada, and Australia but in relatively few other countries.

In temperate climates, peak incidence among children occurs in the winter and early spring. In tropical countries, the highest incidence is in the dry, cool months. The disease tends to be acquired later in childhood, resulting in increased susceptibility among adults.