How many days is the contagious period for chickenpox?
My eldest son is 11 years old this year. Recently, he has developed some chickenpox. There is also a younger son at home who is only 6 years old and has not yet had chickenpox. I would like to ask, how many days is the contagious period for chickenpox?
Doctor's answer (1)
The contagious period of chickenpox usually begins one to two days before the onset of symptoms and lasts until all the rashes have crusted over. This process typically lasts about 5-7 days. During this time, the varicella-zoster virus is active in the patient's body and can be transmitted through airborne droplets or direct contact with the patient's rash. To prevent the spread of the virus, patients should avoid contact with individuals who have not had chickenpox, especially pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it. If someone in the household has chickenpox, good ventilation should be maintained and personal items should be kept separate to reduce the risk of transmission. Once all the rashes have crusted and dried, the patient is generally no longer contagious. If there are any concerns, medical advice should be sought promptly.
