Chickenpox
A chickenpox (varicella) vaccine can help prevent the spread. In Australia, it is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is also generally recommended for those who are most vulnerable to contracting the disease.
Chickenpox is a very contagious viral infection characterised by itchy blisters on the skin. Immunisation is the best way to reduce your risk.
MediADVICE Pharmacists can provide chickenpox vaccinations for customers:
aged over 5 years in ACT, NSW, NT, SA, WA
aged over 10 years in TAS*
aged over 50 years in VIC (some exemptions may apply)
Fees may apply.
Book your vaccination
NIP funded varicella vaccines in some states may not be available for ordering by community pharmacies. Contact your local MediADVICE pharmacy for more information.
*Pharmacists in TAS can administer the chickenpox vaccination only to patients with a valid prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
What is chickenpox?
Chickenpox is a very contagious viral disease. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and is characterised by an itchy, blistering rash on the skin and fever.
Chickenpox can affect people of any age. Children who get chickenpox usually have a mild illness and recover quickly. However, adults, babies and people with a weakened immune system usually have more severe symptoms.
Once you’ve had chickenpox, you’re unlikely to get it again as you will have developed an immunity to the virus. However, if you’ve had chickenpox you’re at risk of developing shingles in the future. That’s because the virus that causes chickenpox lies dormant in the nerve cells and can reactivate, causing shingles.
The good news is that a chickenpox vaccine prevents most people from getting the virus and helps protect against shingles. For the few who get chickenpox after vaccination, their symptoms will be much milder.
How do you get chickenpox?
Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads very easily through schools, childcare centres and families.
It can spread in two ways3:
Through airborne virus particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes
Direct contact with blister fluid of someone with chickenpox
Chickenpox symptoms
The main symptom of chickenpox is an itchy red rash. It usually appears on the chest, back or face. However, it can also move to other areas of the body including inside the mouth and the vagina.
This rash goes through three distinct stages.
A red and bumpy rash that resembles pimples
A fluid-filled, blistered rash
Blisters burst and scab over.
Other symptoms of chickenpox may include:
Fever
Headache
Feeling generally unwell
Feeling tired and irritable, especially children
Sore throat and/or runny nose a few days before the rash appears.
Chickenpox symptoms usually start about two weeks after being exposed to the virus. This time is called the incubation period.
Most children are unwell for around 5-7 days.7However, unvaccinated adults who get chickenpox often experience a more severe illness and take longer to recover.
When is chickenpox infectious?
Someone with chickenpox is infectious for a few days (up to five days) before the rash appears and remains infectious until the blisters dry out and form scabs. This is usually within 5 days of the rash appearing.
How is chickenpox diagnosed?
Diagnosis of chickenpox is usually made by examining the rash. If you think you have chickenpox, make sure you see your doctor. They may also test some of the fluid in your blisters to check if the varicella-zoster virus is present.
How to treat chickenpox?
Chickenpox is usually managed at home, as there is no particular treatment or medication. Most cases will be mild and can be managed by:
Using lotions or creams such as Solosite, to reduce itching and help healing. Your Pharmacist will be able to recommend the right product for you. These can be put in the fridge so they are cold on application to help soothe discomfort. Frequent application is best.
Taking lukewarm baths with baking soda, oatmeal or an anti-itch solution like pinetarsol to help reduce itching
Applying cool compresses to itchy blisters
Taking paracetamol to reduce fever
Getting plenty of rest
Drinking extra fluids to avoid dehydration
Wearing mittens or gloves to prevent scratching, especially in babies and young children.
If you have a severe illness or a compromised immune system, your doctor may prescribe you antiviral medication.
What are the complications of chickenpox?
Most people will have a mild case of chickenpox.
However, those who are at risk of complications include:
Newborn babies
Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it
People with weakened immune systems.
Complications that may arise from chickenpox include:
Scarring or pockmarks on the skin
Bacterial infection on the skin caused by scratching
Pneumonia (infection and inflammation of the lungs)
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Bleeding disorders
If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox her baby can be born with severe chickenpox as well as defects that affect their skin, eyes, arms and nervous system.
When should you see your doctor?
You should see your doctor if you think you have chickenpox to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis.
You should also see your doctor if you have:
A high fever
Neck pain
Breathing difficulties
Sore, red or inflamed blisters.
Due to the contagious nature of chickenpox, you should advise the reception staff that you have chickenpox to avoid spreading it to others in the waiting room.
What’s the link between chickenpox and shingles?
The virus that causes chickenpox can also cause shingles in some people. Once someone has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells. If it reactivates it causes shingles. This illness is characterised by a painful rash similar to chickenpox as well as nerve pain.
Shingles usually occurs in adulthood and it can be many years or even decades after the initial chickenpox infection. Like chickenpox, shingles blisters are infectious.
If you’ve never had chickenpox, you can’t get shingles. However, you can get chickenpox if you touch the infected blisters of someone with shingles. If you’ve been vaccinated against chickenpox, you’re also protected from shingles.
As many as 1 in 3 people who are not immunised against chickenpox or shingles will develop this illness in their lifetime.
Even if you’ve had chickenpox in the past, a shingles vaccination can also protect you. However, if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox, it’s not recommended that you be vaccinated against shingles. Speak to your doctor about whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Can you prevent chickenpox?
The best way to prevent chickenpox is to be vaccinated. In Australia, chickenpox vaccination is included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Vaccination is also highly recommended for people who work in childcare, aged care or healthcare. Speak to your doctor to find out further information.
If you have chickenpox, the best way to prevent infecting others is to:
Stay at home while you’re infectious
Avoid close contact with others
Wash your hands often
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your blisters where possible
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. Speak to your MediADVICE Pharmacist about your symptoms so we can recommend products and medications that may be suitable for you, or refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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Sources
1Department of Health, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/chickenpox-varicella
2Department of Health, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/chickenpox-varicella
3Better Health Channel, Chickenpox,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chickenpox
4The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Chickenpox,https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Chickenpox_Varicella/
5Cleveland Clinic, Chickenpox,https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4017-chickenpox
6Healthdirect, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chickenpox
7The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Chickenpox,https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Chickenpox_Varicella/
8Healthdirect, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chickenpox
9Healthdirect, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chickenpox
10Better Health Channel, Chickenpox,https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chickenpox
11Healthdirect, Chickenpox (varicella),https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chickenpox
12Cleveland Clinic, Can You Get Shingles if You Haven’t Had Chickenpox?,https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-get-shingles-if-you-havent-had-chickenpox/
13Healthdirect, Shingles,https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles
14Australian Immunisation Handbook, Zoster (herpes zoster),https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/zoster-herpes-zoster#vaccine-information