We are writing to inform you that we have had some reported incidents of chickenpox within schools in Cheshire East so we wanted to provide you with important information and guidance from public health.
Chickenpox is a mild and common childhood illness that most children catch. Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10. Nine out of ten adults are immune because they had chickenpox during childhood. People usually catch chickenpox in winter and spring, particularly between March and May.
Chickenpox has a sudden onset with fever, runny nose, cough and a generalised rash. The spotty rash starts with fluid filled blisters which then scab over and eventually drop off. Some people have only a few spots, but other people can have spots that cover their entire body. In most people, the blisters crust up and fall off naturally within one to 2 weeks.
Chickenpox in children is considered a mild illness. There is no specific treatment but there are pharmacy remedies that may alleviate symptoms. These include paracetamol to relieve fever, and calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching.
Chickenpox tends to be more severe in adults and they tend to have a higher risk of developing complications. Some children and adults are at higher risk of serious problems if they catch chickenpox, including:
- pregnant women
- new born babies
- people with a weakened immune system
These people should seek medical advice as soon as they are exposed to chickenpox or if they develop chickenpox symptoms. They may need a blood test to check if they are protected from (immune) chickenpox. If your child develops symptoms of chickenpox it is important to keep them at home. Please notify us (Cheshire PA Support) immediately if your child has been diagnosed with chickenpox.
We encourage you to follow the advice provided by public health officials, which includes:
- Keeping your child at home until all chickenpox blisters have crusted over, usually about five to seven days after the rash first appears.
- Practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently with soap and water, to reduce the risk of infection.
- Avoiding contact with individuals who may be at higher risk of complications from chickenpox, such as pregnant women, new-borns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Additionally, if your child has not yet been vaccinated against chickenpox or if you have any concerns about their vaccination status, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent chickenpox and its complications.
We understand that dealing with a contagious illness can be concerning, but by working together and following these precautions, we can help protect the health and well-being of all members of our community.
