Chickenpox is a common infection that normally affects children under ten years old. In children, it is generally a mild infection, which is why most parents actively try to expose their children to chickenpox when they are young so that they acquire immunity. However, the symptoms can be more severe in adults and can lead to more complications.

Some groups of people are at higher risk of complications if they become infected with chickenpox, such as pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

Although shingles is caused by the same virus (varicella zoster) that causes chickenpox, they are not the same illness.