Keep an eye out for the first signs of chickenpox
Did you know that chickenpox is one of the most common childhood viral illnesses? According to the journal Paediatrics Child Health it’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, but is usually mild in children.
What are the first signs of chickenpox?
“As chickenpox is a viral infection, it often starts off in a similar way to the common viral cold”, says Clicks nursing sister, Jane Mongwe.
So, your child suffers from:
• Relatively high fever
• Runny nose
• Headache and congestion
• Sore throat
• Lethargic
• Not eating
“The tell-tale chickenpox rash - red spots followed by fluid-filled blisters - usually appears three to five days after the fever starts”, explains Jane, which is often why parents don’t suspect chickenpox initially.
But, research shows that chickenpox is the most contagious a day before the rash appears, so if your child is in creche, it’s wise to keep them home as soon as the fever starts. “Once the rash appears, your child needs to be kept home for around two weeks,” she adds.
How chickenpox is spread
“Chickenpox is extremely contagious”, says Jane. It can be spread through sneezing, coughing or touching - or by directly touching the blisters. “Only when the blisters start to harden and form a crust, are they no longer contagious,” says Jane.
Research presented in Paediatrics Child Health also shows that chickenpox can be passed on from pregnant women to their unborn babies.
Prevention is better than cure
“The best way to keep your little one from contracting chickenpox is to get them vaccinated”, says Jane. The first vaccination is between 12-18 months, and the booster shot is between four to six years of age.
Other ways to keep your child safe from chickenpox
• Ensure your child is not around other childeren with fevers
• Always wash and sanitise your child’s hands, especially after visiting public toilets or play areas
• If other family members get chickenpox, try keep your little one away from them. However, because chickenpox is so contagious, if your child hasn’t been vaccinated, chances are they’ll get it two to three weeks later.
If your child is in pain or is experiencing redness, soreness and itchiness around the blisters, chat to a Clicks pharmacist about the best skincare topical treatment for the blisters.
IMAGE CREDIT: shutterstock.com