Once infected, a person is considered contagious one to two days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs. For most people, one infection gives lifelong immunity, but there have been cases of individuals getting chickenpox more than once. The illness commonly lasts about five to 10 days with about half of patients having high fever, severe itching, dehydration, or headache. Although uncommon, complications may arise; more prone are infants, adolescents, and adults with weak immune systems. Call the doctor if:
• Fever lasts longer than four days or rises above 39°C

• Rash becomes very red, warm, tender, or leaks pus

• Child appears extremely ill, is difficult to wake up or is
confused, has difficulty walking, has a stiff neck, vomits
repeatedly

• Child has difficulty breathing, or has a severe cough

TREATMENT
Scratching the blisters may cause them to become infected, so keep fingernails trimmed short. Calamine lotion and oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching. Do not use aspirin or aspirin-containing products to relieve your child’s fever. The use of aspirin has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome, a potentially deadly disease affecting all organs, mostly the liver and brain. Use non-aspirin medication such as paracetamol.

Acyclovir (a medicine that works against herpes viruses) has been prescribed by physicians to hasten recovery from chickenpox and minimize its symptoms. It is also recommended for persons who are more likely to develop serious disease, including persons with chronic skin or lung disease; otherwise healthy individuals 13 years old or older; and persons receiving steroid therapy. In order for Acyclovir to be effective, it must be administered within 24 hours of the onset of the chickenpox rash.