Varicella, more commonly known as chickenpox, is a highly contagious virus that’s been going around for decades. It’s generally relatively mild and is usually more of a nuisance than anything else. Unfortunately, it’s a rather large nuisance that tends to keep kids out of school (and parents out of the office) for up to 7 to 10 days. And as anyone who has ever had the infection can test, it’s not exactly a pleasant experience.
Yes! Chickenpox used to be viewed as virtually inevitable, but that is no longer the case. Although it’s usually not a dangerous disease, it’s still worth vaccinating your child to avoid potential complications such as brain infection.
Contrary to popular belief, the varicella’s tell-tale rash isn’t the first sign that someone has been infected. Chickenpox usually starts, like many other viruses, with a low fever, headaches, fatigue and a general loss of appetite. A few days later, red bumps called papules appear, which then develop into fluid-filled blisters called vesicles before bursting and leaking. Scabs then form over the lesions, taking several days to heal.
Since this is a viral infection rather than a bacterial one, once your kids have it you can mostly only treat the symptoms. See your doctor and ask if they can prescribe anything to lessen the itching and general misery for your child. Antihistamines can often help, although you should discuss their use with your physician. If your child is considered at high risk, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral drug such as Acydovir. Never give a child with chickenpox aspirin, as this can in rare cases lead to Reye’s Syndrome, which can be fatal.
You can also provide some relief through old-fashioned remedies such as a cool bath with either baking soda or uncooked oatmeal, or by rubbing calamine lotion on the sores. Keep your child from scratching as much as possible, as this will only prolong the agony. If it helps, trim their fingernails or put gloves on their hands at night.
The most important thing is to keep your kids in isolation until all rash form Scabs which usually takes about 1 week. During this period and until all of the lesions crust over, they will be incredibly contagious and likely to spread the disease to anyone nearby who hasn’t been vaccinated or already infected. Be especially sure to keep your children away from anyone younger than six months old, elderly, pregnant or with an immunodeficiency disorder, as chickenpox can cause dangerous complications in some rare cases.
