Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It is spread very easily, is most common in children and is usually mild. A vaccine is available that protects against chickenpox.
Chickenpox can be very severe or even life threatening to newborn babies, adults and anyone who has a weak immune system. Pregnant women with chickenpox are at increased risk of complications during pregnancy.
After a chickenpox infection the virus stays in the nerve cells of the body in an inactive state. Years later the virus can reactivate causing shingles infection to develop.
A vaccine is available that protects against chickenpox. It’s available to most people older than 12 months of age.
If you have never had chickenpox, consider getting the vaccine. If you are vaccinated within 72 hours of being in contact with someone who has chickenpox, you might not get sick, and if you do, the illness will be less severe. If you already had chickenpox, you will not get it a second time: you are immune.
If getting the vaccine is not an option, for example if you are pregnant, see your health care provider who may prescribe medications and treatments that can help prevent you from getting chickenpox if they are used soon after you have contact with someone with chickenpox.
- Get vaccinated and stay up to date on all of your vaccinations, including the annual influenza and the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Clean your hands often, especially if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick.
- Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub (preferably 70-90% alcohol) for at least 15 seconds.
- Handwashing is particularly important before you eat and is considered a simple measure to prevent the spread of infection.
- Wear a well-fitted mask.
- Individuals should wear a well-fitted mask when feeling ill or providing care to someone who is ill, especially those at higher risk of severe infection.
- Masks should always be changed when they become damp, dirty, or torn.
- Practise physical distancing.
- If you have a respiratory illness avoid crowded spaces and maintain safe distances (2 metres) from others, especially while in public settings.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze using a tissue.
- If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm, not your hands. Throw used tissues into the garbage and clean your hands right away.
- Use disposable gloves when handling blood and bodily fluids, when cleaning cuts and scrapes, or when changing a baby’s diaper in a daycare setting.
- Gloves should be removed after use and should never be re-used. They should only be used once, then put into the garbage. Do not use hand sanitizer on gloves.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces (door handles, light switches, toys, diaper change areas, etc.).
- In your home, daycare, classroom, or office at regular intervals.
- Toys young children put into their mouths should not be shared until they are cleaned.
- Stay home when feeling sick.
- This includes avoiding work, school, daycare, or extra-curricular activities.
- Keep toilets clean.
- Do not share personal items.This includes hairbrushes, toothbrushes, towels, facecloths, utensils, cups, hats, headphones, razors, masks etc.
- Wash school or daycare laundry using detergent and warm water.
- If you operate a daycare, the laundry can be sent home in a plastic bag to be washed.
- Limit contact with wild animals and control pests/insects.
- Follow relevant guidelines on whether you or your child should be excluded from work, school, or daycare.
- Call ahead prior to attending an appointment with your health care provider or walk in clinic, let them know your symptoms.