Chicken pox

Chickenpox is a common and highly contagious childhood illness. For most children, it is a mild illness, and they will make a full recovery.

However, it can be more serious for some individuals, including infants, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

What to look out for: Symptoms of chickenpox usually appear 10 to 21 days after exposure and can include:

• A mild fever.

• Headache, feeling tired, or loss of appetite.

• An itchy, blister-like rash that starts on the face and body and then spreads.

What you can do:

• Keep your child at home if they are unwell. Children with chickenpox must stay home from school until all blisters have dried and crusted over. This usually takes around 5 to 7 days.

• Encourage good hygiene. Remind your child to wash their hands frequently and to cover coughs and sneezes.

• If you are concerned, seek medical advice. If your child develops symptoms, please contact your family doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free health advice. If you think their blisters are infected, or they have a high fever or seem very unwell, it is important to see a doctor.

For more information on chickenpox, you can visit www.kidshealth.org.nz/chickenpox