Chickenpox (varicella) is much less common in the U.S. than it used to be, thanks to the chickenpox vaccine. If someone does get chickenpox, the infection and the rash it causes will go away without treatment. But chickenpox spreads easily from person to person, so a child who has the virus should stay home until the rash is completely crusted over.
Kids also can have:
To help ease itchiness:
To prevent scratching:
If your child has blisters in their mouth:
Never give aspirin to kids with chickenpox. It can lead to a serious illness called Reye syndrome
To help prevent chickenpox, kids should get the chickenpox vaccine when they're 12 to 15 months old, and a booster shot when they're 4 to 6 years old.
To help keep the virus from spreading, family members should wash their hands well and often.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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