Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Chicken pox

Lucy82
  • 1 reply
  • 44 subscribers
  • 553 views

Hi, 

my friend is due to start her chemo next Tuesday and I am going to see her on Saturday. 
I am currently on holiday with a friend who little one has developed chicken pox. 
I had chicken pox when I was little and therefore should not develop them again. 
However my friend who start chemo has not had chicken pox and I am worried if I should go and see her on sat when I get back. I obviously do not want to put her at any risk of developing chicken pox before she start chemo. 
Should I see her? She been very down about her cancer ( it has spread to her lungs even tho her bowel cancer now clear) 

any help would be great 

thanks 

Lucy 

  • Hello Lucy82,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Denise, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line. Welcome to the online community.

    I am sorry to read about your friend having to start chemotherapy for lung metastases. It must be a very difficult time for your friend and understandably you would want to be there for her.

    Although the majority of people do develop lifelong immunity to chickenpox once they have had the infection as a child, in very rare cases it has been reported  people being reinfected with the virus and developed chickenpox again.

    The incubation period from the start of infection can be 1-3 weeks and is infectious from 24 hours before the rash appears until the vesicles are all dry and have crusted over. You can read more about chickenpox transmission here.

     

     The NICE website does give guidance for healthcare workers (working in hospitals and GP practices) and advises if one has a definite history of chickenpox or shingles and have had a significant exposure to the varicella-zoster virus, they can continue working as they are considered to be protected, however if develop a rash or fever to contact occupational health before patient contact.

    If you wish, please visit the NICE website for more information.

     

    Unfortunately, your friend is immunocompromised even before starting chemotherapy just by having a cancer diagnosis and as we do not have access to NHS medical records, we would suggest asking your friend to speak to her team for individualised guidance as they are familiar with her medical history.

     

     

    I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

     

    The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

     

    Best wishes, Denise

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    Ref/KM

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007