Get the necessary routine vaccines to protect your children for their safe return to school. Gladly, the chickenpox vaccine is available near you at
Cheltenham Travel Clinic. It can protect your little ones from the contagious virus and help prevent its spread.
What are the signs of chickenpox in a child?
Children are especially prone to contracting the chickenpox virus and the following are the common symptoms:
- A rash of itchy, blister-like lesions on the face, scalp, chest, and back.
- The rash starts as small red bumps and becomes fluid-filled blisters over several days.
- The blisters come with a fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise.
- Other symptoms such as a headache, loss of appetite, body aches, and irritability.
Meanwhile, parents should watch out for these signs in children, especially if they return to school after a break.
While there is no specific treatment for chickenpox, a
vaccine is the best way to prevent it. The vaccine is typically given to children between 12 and 15 months, while a booster dose is given at around 4 to 6 years of age.
How long is a child contagious with chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease. A child is usually infectious from 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters become scabs, which takes around 5 to 7 days. Hence, it would be best to keep your child home while infected to prevent the spread to other children.
How severe is chickenpox in children?
Chickenpox is usually mild in children but can lead to severe
complications in some cases. Generally, chickenpox is self-limited and goes away within a week or two.
However, some children may be at higher risk of developing complications; for example, children with a weak immune system or newborns. In such cases, children may experience infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, or sepsis.
What should I do if my child has chickenpox?
If your child has chickenpox, you must manage their symptoms and prevent further complications. Here are a few things you can do:
- Keep your child home from school or daycare until all the blisters form scabs.
- Prevent dehydration by giving your child plenty of fluids.
- Trim their nails to prevent scratching, which leads to secondary infections.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage fever and discomfort.
- Keep the blisters clean and dry to prevent secondary infections.
Where can I get the chickenpox vaccine near me living in Cheltenham?
We understand that you always want your child safe at all times. So, if your child has chickenpox, consult their healthcare provider immediately.
Besides, you can protect your child ahead of time by getting them the chickenpox vaccine.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
