How to Reduce Risk of Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is caused by infection with human herpesvirus-3 (HHV-3), more commonly known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Chicken pox causes an itching rash with blisters across the body. It is not normally accompanied by complications unless a person is already ill, and immunity develops after infection. Although the virus is very common and is easily transmitted from person to person, there are steps people can take to protect themselves from infection, including vaccination and avoiding infected people.

Things You'll Need

• Chicken pox vaccine

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Instructions

Reducing Chicken Pox Risk

• 1

  Be vaccinated against chicken pox. This is only recommended for adults who have never been infected with VZV and who have not been vaccinated in the past and who are at risk for infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, this includes people in health care fields, teachers and other people who have close contact with children (or who live with people who may become pregnant), as well as people who travel abroad, including people in the military. Blood testing can confirm whether or not an adult is already immune to VZV. Adults who receive the chicken pox vaccine get two doses, between 1 and 2 months apart.

• 2

  Have your children vaccinated against chicken pox. This is a standard part of childhood vaccines. For young children, the first dose is given between 1 year and 15 months of age and follow-up dose is given at 4 and 6 years of age, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• 3

  Vaccinate older children who have not had chicken pox and who also have not been vaccinated. The Mayo Clinic reports that, for children between the ages of 7 and 12, two doses are given 3 months apart, while children over 13 get two doses at least 1 month apart.

• 4

  Avoid contact with people who have chicken pox. The infection can be spread through contact with the rash as well as when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the Mayo Clinic. In particular, people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women should not have contact with people who have chicken pox, as VZV infection for these people can lead to serious complications.