Question: I found out after a wedding dinner that the guest next to me had just recovered from chickenpox. Should I be concerned?

Answer: Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is highly contagious and spreads by respiratory droplets and close personal contact. Patients are contagious one to two days before the appearance of rash – until the blisters are dried and crusted.

As the guest sitting beside you had just recovered, it’s likely that he is not contagious. If you’ve had chickenpox before, or have been vaccinated against it, then you’re immune and have nothing to fear. Otherwise, you may want to consider vaccination to avoid 
future scares after you’ve had your baby.