How is chickenpox spread?

How is chickenpox spread?

Children can get chickenpox at any age. After being exposed to chickenpox, your child may appear to be fine for one to three weeks before feeling sick. Children can spread the virus from one day before they show signs of illness to about five days after a skin rash appears.

The virus is spread by:

• Coming in contact with someone who has chickenpox.
• Breathing air from an infected person who sneezes or coughs.
• Coming in contact with fluids from an infected child's eyes, nose or mouth.