However, people with weak immune systems are contagious longer, usually as long as new blisters keep appearing. Under state regulations, people with chicken pox must stay out of school and work until all their blisters have dried and crusted. People who are very sick with chicken pox are sometimes given anti-viral drugs to help them fight off the disease. Pregnant women who have already had chicken pox don't need to worry. Women who get chicken pox while they are pregnant are more likely than other adults to develop serious complications.
Babies born to mothers with chicken pox can develop high fevers and other serious problems.
Pregnant women who have been exposed to somebody with chicken pox should see a doctor immediately. Those who aren't sure if they had chicken pox as a child can have a blood test to see if they are protected against the virus. Once you've had chicken pox, you can't get it again. However, the virus that causes chicken pox stays in your body for the rest of your life. The shingles rash looks like chicken pox, but is usually shows up on only one part of your body and doesn't spread.