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CHICKENPOX: THE BASICS

The medical name for chickenpox is varicella because it is caused by the varicella zoster (VZ) virus.1 It’s a highly infectious disease, which means it’s easy to catch from someone who already has chickenpox.1 The good news is that, in most cases, once you’ve had it, your body is able to protect you from catching it again.2

of adults are immune to chickenpox because they had the disease as child.1

SPOTTING CHICKENPOX / SYMPTOMS

Other diseases can cause rashes, so you shouldn’t simply assume it’s chickenpox.

The illness usually starts with one to two days of fever, aches and pains and feeling out of sorts.2,3

Then, an itchy, spotty rash develops, turning from spots to blisters to scabs and crusts.2 How many spots appear varies from person to person; some people hardly have any, while others are covered head to toe.3

The infection is spread in the fluid found in chickenpox blisters and the droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.2

Chickenpox is contagious from one to two days before the rash appears until all the blisters have scabbed over. This takes about five days.2

DON’T PASS IT ON!

Because chickenpox is highly contagious, you should try to prevent spreading it by avoiding contact with others, particularly those at higher risk of complications such as pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.1,2

That means no school and no nursery until the last blister has scabbed over.1,2

A little one with chickenpox
will need around

so you may have to take time
off work to look after them.2

If you are due to take a flight, you may not be allowed to fly until the last blister has scabbed over, so check with the airline. If you are not contagious but the rash is still present, you may need a doctor’s certificate.2

BE AWARE OF HIGH RISK GROUPS

Chickenpox is usually mild, but occasionally it can lead to serious complications, especially in adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.2

People in these high-risk groups are more likely to experience complications such as secondary infections. For pregnant women, there is a small risk of the infection being passed to the unborn baby or causing birth defects.2

Post exposure prophylaxis with varicella antibodies is recommended in individuals who fulfill all the following three criteria3:

  1. Have had significant exposure to varicella or zoster
  2. Have a clinical condition that increases the risk of severe varicella (e.g.immunocompromised, pregnant women, neonates in the first week of life born to non-immune women, babies in Special Care Baby Units) and
  3. Are non-immune (no antibodies to VZ virus)

It’s important to seek medical advice if you are in one of these groups and think you may have chickenpox or recently been exposed to the varicella virus.2

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

If you develop a skin or lung infection, you will need treatment with antibiotics. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalised.1

There may not always be signs of chickenpox complications. However, you should look out for swollen or painful skin, difficulty breathing or dehydration.2

If you see any possible signs of complications, contact your GP, Practice Nurse or Pharmacist immediately.2

If you have had chickenpox, you have a greater risk of developing shingles in later life. This can happen when the immune system is low (e.g. due to stress or certain medical conditions) and the chickenpox virus becomes reactivated. Though they are both caused by the same virus, chickenpox and shingles are different diseases.2

WHEN TO CONTACT YOUR GP

Chickenpox is usually mild and clears up in about a week. However, some people can become seriously ill and need to see a doctor.2

Contact your GP, Practice Nurse or Pharmacist if:1,2

  • You’re not sure if it’s chickenpox
  • You get chickenpox as an adult, as it can be more severe and last longer than in children
  • You’re exposed to chickenpox while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Your baby gets chickenpox when they’re less than 4 weeks old
  • You’re exposed to chickenpox and have a weakened immune system
  • You see signs of complications
  • The symptoms haven’t started to improve after six days

TREATING AND PREVENTING CHICKENPOX

For most children, chickenpox is mild and can be treated at home.2,4

SPOTS, ITCHES AND TIME AT HOME

There is no cure for chickenpox and the virus usually clears up by itself without any treatment.2

Your pharmacist can advise about medicines that may help relieve itching or reduce pain and discomfort, but things will usually clear on their own after a few days. If complications develop, your doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment.2

If you need to book a doctor’s appointment, tell the receptionist that your child has chickenpox.

You may need to arrange a special appointment time to avoid infecting other patients.

Paracetamol is the preferred painkiller for treating the associated symptoms of chickenpox. This is due to a very small risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, causing adverse skin reactions during chickenpox.1,4
Never give your child aspirin if you suspect or know that they have chickenpox.1

Don’t scratch!
It can cause skin infections or permanent scarring. If your child can’t stop scratching, keep their fingernails short and put gloves or socks on their hands, especially at night.2

Speak to your pharmacist about using cooling creams or gels to relieve itching.2

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Try ice lollies if your child isn’t drinking. A diet of soft, cold foods is best if chickenpox sores develop in the mouth.1,2

More information about treating chickenpox can be found via the HSE website.

Need more information on chickenpox?

Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about chickenpox today

Resources

Links

Download our information leaflet here

References

  1. NHS – https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chickenpox – Accessed Jan 2023
  2. HSE – https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/chickenpox/  – Accessed Jan 2023
  3. Chapter 23 – https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/chapter23.pdf – Accessed Jan 2023
  4. CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/prevention-treatment.html  – Accessed Jan 2023