chickenpox (varicella)
also known as: varicella, varicella-zoster
chickenpox is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. it causes an itchy rash of fluid-filled blisters that appear in waves over several days. it is usually mild in children but can be more serious in babies, adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised people. vaccination is on the National Immunisation Program.
contagious
yes, highly contagious — from 1-2 days before rash until all blisters crusted over
duration
5-10 days for the rash to fully crust over
common age
2-8 years (less common now due to vaccination)
symptoms
- •itchy rash that starts as red spots and develops into fluid-filled blisters
- •rash appears in waves over 3-5 days
- •spots start on the face, chest, and back, then spread to the whole body
- •mild fever
- •tiredness and feeling unwell
- •loss of appetite
- •headache
when to see a doctor
see your GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if:
- •your child is under 1 month old
- •spots look infected (red, swollen, warm, or oozing pus)
- •fever is getting worse after the first few days (may indicate secondary infection)
- •your child is not drinking fluids
- •you or someone in the household is pregnant or immunocompromised
- •your child has eczema — chickenpox can be more severe
when to call 000
call 000 immediately if:
- •your child is very drowsy, hard to wake, or floppy
- •your child has difficulty breathing
- •a rash that does not fade under pressure (non-blanching) — may indicate a different condition
home treatment
- •give paracetamol for fever — do NOT give ibuprofen (may increase risk of skin infection)
- •calamine lotion or cooling moisturiser to soothe itching
- •cool (not cold) baths with a handful of baking soda may help
- •keep fingernails short to reduce scratching and scarring
- •dress your child in loose, cool clothing
- •encourage fluids — ice blocks are great for sore mouths
- •antihistamines may help with itching (ask your pharmacist)
prevention
- •varicella vaccine is on the National Immunisation Program at 18 months (and dose 2 in Year 7)
- •vaccination is the best protection
- •keep unvaccinated children away from anyone with chickenpox
- •chickenpox is contagious from 1-2 days before the rash until all blisters have crusted over
this guide is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. if you are concerned about your child, see your GP, call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or in an emergency call 000. mini mode is not affiliated with any government department or health service.