By getting the necessary routine vaccine, you can safeguard against all the health risks and ensure your child returns to school safely. At our Travel Clinic, we provide the chickenpox vaccine near your area to protect your child from this highly contagious disease. If you live in West Midlands, contact us today to learn more about getting the
chickenpox vaccine.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox in a child?
The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox disease. It mainly causes a rash of red, itchy bumps on the face, scalp, chest, and back. The rash starts as small, red bumps that develop into blisters and then scab over.
Other symptoms may include:
- Fever: Children may develop a fever ranging from mild to moderate.
- Fatigue: Your child may feel tired and exhausted.
- Loss of appetite: Sometimes, children also lose their appetite.
- Headache: Children may experience a headache due to a fever.
- Body aches: Your child may experience pains in the arms, legs, and chest.
- Itching: The rash can be extremely itchy, which is highly uncomfortable.
For how long can a child spread chickenpox to others?
Children with chickenpox are most contagious in the early stages of the illness. It can spread to others until all of the blisters crust over, which occurs within 5 to 7 days after the rash appears.
It is essential to keep children with chickenpox away from others who have not had the illness or did not get the
vaccine against it. In addition, keep your child away from newborns, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
What is the level of severity of chickenpox in children?
Chickenpox is usually a mild illness you can treat at home with over-the-counter medications. You may also use home remedies to relieve symptoms. Most children recover within a week or two and do not experience any long-term
complications.
However, chickenpox can sometimes be more serious, especially in children with HIV/ AIDS or chemotherapy. They may require more intensive treatment, such as antiviral medications, to help prevent severe complications.
What actions should you take if a child has chickenpox?
With proper care, most children with chickenpox will recover within a week or two. However, you can take several steps:
- Children with chickenpox should stay at home until they are contagious.
- Children with chickenpox may lose fluids due to fever and sweating, so it is essential to increase fluid intake. Water, juice, and broth are all excellent options.
- Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce fever and discomfort.
- Dress your child in lightweight clothing and keep the room comfortable.
- Oatmeal baths, calamine lotion, and topical creams containing hydrocortisone can help reduce itching.
Where to get the chickenpox vaccine near you in West Midlands?
The
chickenpox vaccine is typically given to children at 12-15 months of age, with a booster dose given at 4-6 years of age. We also recommend that adults who have not had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated against it get their dose now.
Book your appointment at the West Midlands Travel clinic or visit us for a free consultation.
