Treatment

Most chickenpox cases are mild and easy to be treated. But sometimes it can get really bad. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. A few of the options may include:

·         Bed rest

·         Extra fluids to drink – try avoiding dehydration

·         Paracetamol to bring down the fever – aspirin should be avoided because of a possible increased risk of complications

·         Lukewarm baths with baking soda or oatmeal added to the water – a cup of oatmeal can be put into an old, clean pair of panty hose, then tied and left in the bath while the water runs

·         Cream, such as calamine lotion, to reduce the itching – if you have a skin problem like eczema, you may need to ask a health professional about other creams you can use

·         Avoidance of salty or citrus foods

·         Mittens to prevent scratching – can be worn by babies and young children.

Some immunisation tips/vaccinations may include: 

·         Children at 18 months – immunisation against chickenpox is given as the combination MMRV vaccine (from July 2013)

·         Students in year seven of secondary school – students who have not already had chickenpox or have not already been immunised against chickenpox will receive the VV

·         Children up to and including seven years – catch-up immunisations are available for children who have not been fully vaccinated.