As summer approaches, parents naturally get excited about spending extra time outside with their kids, enjoying all the fun activities the season has to offer. However, this season can also bring concerns about childhood diseases, such as chickenpox.
Chickenpox is a common childhood illness known for its highly contagious nature. For parents, it is a cause for concern due to its discomfort and potential complications, especially for younger children.
The thought of itchy, unhappy children during what should be carefree months turns chickenpox into an unwelcome guest when the weather warms up. So, here are a few prevention tips you can use along with getting your child a chickenpox vaccination.
What are the Early Signs of Chickenpox in Children?
Recognising the early signs of chickenpox can lead to quicker treatment and less discomfort for your child. Initially, the illness might not present with its well-known rash. So, here are some early symptoms to watch out for-
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Stomachache
Following these initial symptoms, the rash usually develops. It starts as small red spots that can appear anywhere on the body.
Chickenpox Outbreaks in Summer
Data from general practitioner consultations across England from 1 September 2016 to 9 December 2022 reveals interesting patterns. Typically, there’s a spike in chickenpox cases between weeks 13 and 15 of the year.
Over the years, the average weekly consultation rate for chickenpox has decreased slightly; however, children aged 1–4 years consistently show the highest rates of consultation.
5 Tips for Chickenpox Prevention in Children
As parents, you naturally want to protect your children from discomfort and illness, especially during the holiday seasons when they should be enjoying themselves.
While chickenpox is common among kids, there are effective ways to prevent and manage its symptoms to minimise discomfort and complications.
Here are 5 practical tips that can keep your child comfortable if they catch chickenpox-
- Hydration- Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Ice lollies can be a fun and effective way to keep hydration levels up.
- Pain Management- Use paracetamol to reduce pain and discomfort. Avoid ibuprofen as it can worsen certain complications of chickenpox.
- Prevent Scratching- Trim your child’s fingernails and consider covering their hands with socks at night to prevent scratching, which can lead to scarring.
- Skin Care- Apply cooling creams or gels available from pharmacies to soothe the skin. Bathe in cool water and gently pat the skin dry.
- Comfortable Clothing- Dress your child in loose, soft clothing to prevent irritation of the rash.
What is the Importance of Chickenpox Vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from varicella-zoster virus, the cause of chickenpox. It is important because it reduces the likelihood of your child developing chickenpox and decreases the severity of the disease if they do catch it.
Vaccination is recommended to prevent the immediate discomfort associated with chickenpox and reduce the risk of more severe complications. By vaccinating children, you can reduce the spread of the virus to others in the community. This includes those who are particularly vulnerable, such as newborns and people with weakened immune systems.
Keep Summer Fun and Chickenpox-Free for Your Children
Choosing timely chickenpox vaccination for your children can ensure both children and adults enjoy a healthy, enjoyable summer season.
So, ensure a joyful and chickenpox-free summer by booking chickenpox vaccination with us.