How Chickenpox Spreads
by JustinChickenpox is caused by a type of herpes virus, scientifically called the varicella-zoster. Contracting chickenpox occurs almost exactly the same way contracting a common cold does. Your child will contract the disease from sneezes, coughs or sharing drinks and foods. The virus likes to enter the respiratory system and incubate there. Other ways to contract the virus include skin to skin contact with open sores and not washing hands if your child has somehow picked the virus up on them as it can then enter the respiratory system or into their mouth when your child touches their face. It may be almost impossible to tell when someone who carries the virus is contagious, as the carrier is most contagious 48 to 72 hours before any signs of the trademark chickenpox red spots appear. These red spots are called macules and after they have burst and crusted over, your child can usually return to daycare or school.
If you wish to protect your child from the disease, the best solution would be to receive the chickenpox vaccine, as it is the only sure fire way to prevent a severe infection. There is no way to completely protect your child from getting chickenpox at school just like there is no way to protect them from getting a common cold in the same situation.
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