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Each week we look more closely at the most common health conditions.

This week, it's the childhood favourite, chicken pox...

What is chicken pox?

An infection caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. It's mild, but highly infectious and most children catch it at some point.

What are the symptoms?

Typical things to watch out for with chicken pox are:
- A rash, appearing as spots on the body, behind the ears, on the face and under the arms
- Fever and ache
- Feeling sick and a sore throat

When will I get chicken pox?

Chicken pox is spread most often between March and May. By the age of 15, 90% of kids have had chicken pox.

How long will chicken pox last?

The worst of the rash is gone in around 5-7 days. This is once the spots have burst and turned into blisters. At this point, you are no longer infectious.

How is chicken pox spread?

The chicken pox virus travels in small droplets of saliva or mucus that are spread through coughing and sneezing.

What should I do if my child gets chicken pox?

It's only important to go to the doctor if you have a weak immune system or are pregnant.
- Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and doesn't scratch the spots, because it could leave scarring.
- You can give them low doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain or fever.
- Calamine lotion can be used to reduce itching of the rash or spots
- Make sure you dress your kids in clothing that will avoid overheating or shivering
- Tell the school immediately and wait until the last spots have burst and crusted over before they return.

What if I get chicken pox as an adult?

If you get it as an adult the symptoms tend to be a bit more serious and last longer.
There's also a greater chance of adults who get chicken pox being admitted to hospital.
A number of adults develop lung problems such as pneumonia, and the chance is much higher if you smoke.

What if I get chicken pox when I'm pregnant?

It's vital you go to the doctor straight away. Pregnant women can take an antiviral medicine called acyclovir once the rash appears. It will not cure the chicken pox, but it will make the symptoms less severe. It has to be taken five times a day for 7 days.

What about shingles?

After you get chicken pox, the virus stays in the body and can be reactivated, usually as an adult, causing shingles.

The first sign of shingles is a pain in the affected area. Around 7 days later a rash will appear, followed by blisters. If you have shingles you are contagious to anyone who has not had chickenpox, but it's impossible to catch shingles from someone who has chicken pox.

More help and advice

- More facts on chicken pox in children
- More tips on easing chicken pox
- Why it's good to have chicken pox when you're young
- More common kids' health conditions
- All the facts on shingles
- Worried about chicken pox? Chat with other mums about it

By Rob Mansfield

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