Chicken Pox

• Slight fever and flu-like symptoms;
• Rash of small itchy, red blisters that turn to scabs within a couple of days;

• Apply a suitable lotion to ease the irritation;
• Give children a sugar-free ice lolly to help reduce temperature and replace fluids;
• A warm, soap-free bath with a few teaspoons of bicorbonate of soda added can help.

If in doubt, discuss over-the-counter medication with your pharmacist.

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease the symptoms and reduce temperature;
• Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.

• If you are pregnant or have given birth within the previous 7 days;
• If you have cancer, HIV or other illnesses that affect the immune system;
• If you have difficulty breathing or develop flu-like symptoms.