Chicken Pox

 

Common, preventable childhood infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus

 

Symptoms:

• Begins with a fever, within 1-2 days your child will develop a rash starting with red spots that turn into blisters, the blisters will eventually dry and form scab in 4-5 days

 

How it Spreads:

• Spreads very easily from 2 days before the rash and is most contagious 12-24 hours before the rash appears. It will typically develop 2-3 weeks after contact with an infected person.

• Spreads through direct contact person to person through tough or saliva and enters the body through the mouth or nose

 

​Chicken Pox Vaccine

• 2 shots for chickenpox at the age of 12-18 months and then a second one at 4-6 years old

 

Treatment

• Try to prevent your child from scratching as it can cause an infection from bacteria that enter an opening in the skin

• The doctor may recommend special lotions, creams or bath treatments

 

Can Your Child go to Daycare or School?

• Most schools and daycares have a policy stating that children with chicken pox must stay home for five days after the rash appears in an attempt to protect other children from the disease.

• It is best for your child to stay home as this can be very uncomfortable for your child due to the itching and will prevent the spread of chicken pox to other children.

 

Source: North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit and http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca