A pediatrician is advising parents to keep their children home from school if they exhibit certain symptoms. The doctor emphasized the importance of isolating children with chickenpox to prevent the spread of the infection.
Dr. Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer at AXA Health, has urged parents and caregivers to be vigilant about the seriousness of chickenpox before the upcoming national vaccination program launches in England next year. The program aims to protect around half a million children annually by offering a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine during routine GP visits.
Traditionally, there was a belief that allowing children to contract chickenpox was beneficial, with some parents even organizing “chickenpox parties” to ensure immunity later in life. However, Dr. Bradshaw dismissed this belief as outdated and potentially dangerous, stating that deliberately exposing children to the virus through such gatherings could lead to severe health complications, especially in those with weakened immunity.
“Although most cases of chickenpox are mild, some individuals may experience more serious issues such as skin infections, pneumonia, and neurological conditions,” Dr. Bradshaw warned.
According to Dr. Bradshaw, symptoms of chickenpox typically manifest one to two days before the characteristic rash appears. Parents and caregivers should be able to recognize these symptoms and understand the importance of isolating their child if they are unwell with the virus.
If a child has chickenpox, Dr. Bradshaw advised that they should stay home until all blisters have crusted over, as they can remain contagious for up to a week after the rash first appears. It is crucial to keep infected children away from school settings and the general public to prevent further spread of the virus.