Chickenpox Information

Chickenpox usually begins with a mild fever, tiredness, and a rash. The rash begins as red bumps that quickly turn into small blisters. These blisters form scabs in 3 - 4 days.

Chickenpox is usually spread through sneezing, coughing or direct contact with the blisters.  It can also spread through the air.

People with chickenpox can spread the disease for 1-2 days before the beginning of the rash until 6 days after the rash starts. 

Chickenpox develops within 2 – 3 weeks after contact with an infectious person.

• Tell your child care provider.
• Keep your child at home until all blisters have scabbed over (usually about 6 days). 
• Keep your child away from others who have not had the disease or the vaccine. 
• Ask a healthcare provider or pharmacist about which over the counter medicines are safe to give your child when he or she has chickenpox. Aspirin is not recommended.  
• Call a healthcare provider immediately if the rash suddenly becomes red, swollen, develops pus, or a high fever occurs. 

• Chickenpox vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.
• The vaccine can be used to prevent or modify the illness if used within 3 – 5 days after exposure. It is 70-90% effective when given after exposure.
• Getting the vaccine now may not prevent disease from this exposure but will likely prevent getting chickenpox from other exposures and possibly prevent an outbreak in our school. During an outbreak unvaccinated children may be excluded from classes for up to 21 days after their last exposure. 
• Some people (pregnant women and people with diseases that weaken their immune system) who haven’t had chickenpox disease or vaccine may need to get a special shot.
• Ask your healthcare provider about these shots.