What Is Varicella?
5. Risk Factors
Anyone who has not been vaccinated against varicella or has not had it in the past has a risk of developing chickenpox if exposed. Because the virus can spread through respiratory droplets, you may be exposed without any knowledge that you have come in contact with a person with chickenpox. People with a compromised immune system are particularly vulnerable to developing chickenpox complications.
If you have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated and a member of your family contracts it, your risk of becoming infected increases substantially. This is due not only to the presence of droplets in the air but the increased chance that you may come in contact with the fluid from the blisters once they break.
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