Can you contract chicken pox twice? 13 big searches on the beastly pox from this week

Firstly, yes. The CDC says so – although it isn’t common – and my younger brother did, circa 1992. I felt for him then, and I feel for my mum now. Contracting chicken pox twice is no joke, from the worry and concern to the absolute mayhem it can bring to family life. 

Chickenpox might feel like a childhood relic, but it’s back in conversations for parents and anyone navigating a specific situation (travel plans, families with newborns, etc). From wondering whether you can get it twice to handling it in infants, Reddit exploded this week, and it got me thinking. 

Here’s a deep dive into the big chickenpox questions we might not think to ask, until we’re in the thick of it. Plus, practical guidance and the latest info.

Can you contract chickenpox twice?

This is probably the most common question: if you had chickenpox as a kid, can it strike again? In most cases, no. Once you’ve had it, your body usually develops lifelong immunity. However, there are rare cases where people with weakened immune systems might experience a second, milder case.

Can I get chickenpox as an adult?

Yes. While most people get chickenpox in childhood, adults who never had it (or weren’t vaccinated) can contract it. Adult cases tend to be more severe, with higher risks of complications like pneumonia. That’s why the chickenpox vaccine in the UK is recommended for adults who haven’t had the virus before.

Can my kids now get a vaccine on the NHS?

Yes! For the first time, children in the UK are now able to receive protection against chickenpox through the NHS, with the varicella vaccine.

Starting this month, the vaccine will be included in the routine childhood immunisation schedule, with a catch-up programme also available for older children.

Can you get shingles if you never had chickenpox?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus behind chickenpox. If you’ve never had chickenpox and haven’t been vaccinated, you won’t get shingles, but if you do catch chickenpox, the virus can stay dormant and reactivate as shingles later in life.

Can an infant get chickenpox?

Yes, but newborns usually have some protection if the mother has had chickenpox herself, or the vaccination. If your baby is exposed, you should contact your GP immediately. Symptoms in infants include fever, tiredness and the classic itchy red rash.

Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox?

If your child has chickenpox, you’ll likely need to take time off to care for them and to prevent spreading it to colleagues. Chickenpox is highly contagious from about two days before the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over.

Can I go to work with chickenpox myself?

Absolutely not. Adults with chickenpox should stay home to rest and avoid infecting others. Chickenpox is contagious, and the risk of complications is higher in adults than in children.

Can you go to work with shingles?

Shingles isn’t as contagious as chickenpox, but the virus can spread to those who’ve never had chickenpox or the vaccine. Cover the rash, practise good hygiene and speak to your doctor about returning to work.

Chickenpox is contagious, and the risk of complications is higher in adults than in children.

Can pets get chickenpox?

No, chickenpox is a human-specific virus. Your dog won’t catch it (this is a huge question online right now!), but it can spread rapidly among humans.

Can you fly with chickenpox?

Travelling while contagious is strongly discouraged. Airlines typically prevent passengers with contagious illnesses from boarding. Chickenpox is airborne and can spread to anyone without immunity.

Why is it called ‘chickenpox’?

The origin is unclear. Some believe it comes from the rash’s resemblance to chickpeas or that it was considered a “mild” disease compared to smallpox. Either way, it’s one of those historical naming mysteries.

Do oat baths work?

Oat baths are a well-known home remedy for chickenpox itching, and for many parents, they really do help. 

Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oats that dissolve in water) has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated, itchy skin and help reduce the urge to scratch. When added to a lukewarm bath, oats create a milky solution that coats the skin and can provide temporary relief from discomfort – particularly helpful at bedtime, when itching often feels worse.

What about Sudocrem?

Sudocrem can be helpful for chickenpox in certain cases. Its zinc oxide base creates a protective barrier on the skin, which may soothe sore spots and help prevent secondary infection, especially if blisters have burst. 

While it won’t treat the virus or stop itching entirely, applying a small amount to individual spots can reduce irritation and support healing. It’s best used sparingly and alongside other soothing measures, rather than as an all-over treatment.

Chickenpox may feel like a simple childhood illness, but with adults catching it and infants at risk, knowledge is key. Stay informed, rest and consult the NHS or your GP if you have concerns.

January’s top read: Jesy Nelson’s twins and SMA Type 1: everything you’ve asked this week