Varicella

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Varicella is also called chickenpox. This infection is caused by a germ called a virus. The disease is spread by close contact with an infected person. Once your child is exposed to chickenpox, it may take 10 to 21 days or longer before he gets sick.
  
  
• Chickenpox starts with a fever and an itchy, red rash. This rash has water blisters that break and crust over. Your child can spread chickenpox to others until all the sores are crusted over. This may last for about one week after the rash begins. Keep your child away from others during this time. It takes about two weeks for all the scabs to fall off. Once your child has had chickenpox, he is immune (will not get it again).

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Fever medicine: Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease fever and discomfort. Do not give your child aspirin. Giving aspirin to a child with chickenpox may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. Do not give your child any over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without first talking to your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Antihistamine: This medicine may be given to help decrease itching from the rash. Give your child this medicine as your child's caregiver instructs you to. It may make your child sleepy or excited.
  
  
• Antiviral medicine: This type of medicine may be given to help your child fight chickenpox. It may help if given within 24 hours of your child's first signs and symptoms. It may be helpful especially for teenagers or children with long-term skin problems or asthma. It may be given to children with other long-term conditions such as cancer or HIV.

How can I help my child feel better?

• Help your child to rest. If your child feels OK, allow him to do play activities that will not make him tired. Give him books or a drawing pad for quiet play.
  
  
• Give your child plenty of liquids. Give your child at least six to eight cups of liquids each day. Give your child liquids like water, some fruit juices, and milk.
  
  
• Feed your child healthy foods. Feed your child a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and meat and fish. If your child has painful mouth sores, he may not feel like eating or drinking very much. Give your child soft, mild foods that feel good in the mouth. These may include yogurt, pudding, milkshakes, jello, and mashed potatoes. Do not give your child foods or drinks that are salty, spicy, or tart.
  
  
• Provide relief for mouth sores and ulcers. You may try using numbing gels from the grocery or drug store. Ask your child's caregiver about an antacid solution to help your child's mouth sores feel better.
  
  
• Help control your child's itching.
  
  
  • You may put calamine lotion on your child's skin sores. Do not use this lotion on sores in your child's mouth.
    
    
  • Give your child baths in lukewarm water for the first few days. Add one-half cup of baking soda to the water. Let your child bathe for about 30 minutes. Do this several times a day. You also may use an oatmeal bath product that you can buy at a drug or grocery store.
    
    
  • Try to keep your child from scratching the rash or picking off the scabs. Keep his fingernails cut short. Put socks on your child's hands at night. Wash his hands with a soap that kills germs so that the rash does not get infected.
    
    
  • Keep your child quiet and cool. Sweating and becoming too warm makes itching worse. Keep your child out of the sun.
  
  
• Keep your child home from school or daycare for about one week. Your child is contagious (able to spread chickenpox to others) until all his sores are crusted over. This may take about one week. Keep your child away from babies, pregnant women, and people with long-term conditions such as HIV or cancer. Also keep your child away from teens and adults who have not had a chickenpox infection or shots.
  
  
• Varicella vaccine: This vaccine helps prevent infection with varicella (chickenpox). Children usually get 2 chickenpox vaccinations. The first dose usually is given between 12 and 15 months of age. The second dose usually is given between 4 and 6 years of age. Any older child or adult who is not fully vaccinated or who has never had chickenpox should receive the vaccine

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• Your child has sores anywhere in the eyes.
  
  
• The sores get bigger or have pus in them.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has trouble thinking clearly or is falling a lot.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing or is breathing very fast.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Varicella (Aftercare Instructions)