Chicken pox is an
acute, generalized viral disease which may or may not start with a slight
fever and
general malaise followed the next day by small blister-like eruptions (rash)
on the head, neck and trunk.
The rash may continue to erupt for several days
(5-7) after which the blisters scab over. Chicken pox is contagious from one day
before symptoms appear until all eruptions are scabbed over. The incubation period is generally 2 to 3
weeks, most often 14 days after exposure.
Children may return to school
when all blisters are scabbed and no new eruptions have occurred for at least
24 hours. Most children are out
of school for 5-7 days.
Dr. Julia McMillan, MD, a professor of pediatrics at Johns
Hopkins said “parents need to be told that even if a child gets the chicken pox
from a classmate or sibling after
being immunized, the vaccine almost always protects them from significant
infection”.
Parents are advised to call their child’s physician
regarding the treatment of chicken pox.
In addition, any pregnant individual who has not previously had chicken
pox and newborns are particularly at risk as well as anyone who has recently
had major surgery. These individuals
are also advised to consult their physician immediately for advice.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome, please
do not administer aspirin or any products containing aspirin (salicylates).