Chickenpox - How common is it?
Chickenpox is common. It is very easy to catch.
If someone in your family gets chickenpox and you haven't had it, or been vaccinated against it, you have a 9 in 10 chance of getting it.[1]
Most people get chickenpox as children, usually between the ages of 1 and 14.[2]
References
- Coole L, Law B, McIntyre P. Vaccines for preventing varicella in children and adults (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library. Update Software, Oxford, UK.
- Klassen TP, Hartling L, Wiebe N, et al. Acyclovir for treating varicella in otherwise healthy children and adolescents (Cochrane review). In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.
Glossary
- vaccination
- A vaccination is an injection a doctor can give you to protect you from getting an infectious illness (an illness that spreads between people).
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited ("BMJ Group") 2007. All rights reserved
This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
