What is a significant characteristic of varicella (chickenpox)?

The correct answer highlights that varicella, or chickenpox, can indeed be spread by open sores. This is a significant characteristic of the virus as it is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, chickenpox can also be spread directly from the fluid of the blisters that form during the infection. This means that physical contact with the blisters or the fluid from these sores can lead to transmission of the virus to others who are not immune, reinforcing the importance of taking precautions to avoid close contact with infected individuals during the infectious stage of the disease.

This characteristic underscores the contagious nature of chickenpox and is crucial for understanding how to prevent outbreaks, especially in settings like schools or daycare centers, where children are often in close proximity to one another.