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Chickenpox is a very common illness among children which is also highly contagious. It is caused by a virus called varicella zoster which may cause a few weeks of irritation, but will seldom develop into a serious problem. Almost all children get the chickenpox and once they have had it, they will never catch it again. It is best to get this illness at an early age because the older the sufferer, the more risks there are to it becoming a problem.

How can my child get the chickenpox?

Chickenpox can be caught at any age and those who have been exposed may look fine for up to three weeks before feeling sick. The illness is spread through contact with those who have chickenpox or by breathing the same air as the one infected, especially if he or she has coughed or sneezed. One can also get the chickenpox by coming into contact with any fluid of the sufferer for example, your child’s nose, mouth or eyes. A child can spread the virus from a day before they start showing any symptoms until five days after a rash appears on their body.

Signs that my child is infected

Chickenpox is easy to detect because it shows on the skin. A doctor will be able to diagnose your child immediately just from looking at their skin, but there are also a few signs you can pick up. If your child has chickenpox, the first symptoms will be a headache, fever or general tiredness. Your child may also get a stomach ache that will last a day or two followed by a skin rash. The rash will be itchy and will consist of small bumps filled with a milky fluid. After these blisters break, scabs will form and the skin will look blotchy as the spots fade away.

Make sure you take your child to the doctor if they show signs of the virus. Give them plenty of time to rest and keep them away from others who have not had the illness.

Tags: children, health, Parenting