The dreaded Chickenpox! Chickenpox or varicella as it is known medically is a mild and common childhood illness that pretty much all children will catch at some point. Chickenpox is most common in children under the age of 10,and within the UK it is estimated that 9 out of 10 people will have had chickenpox by the age of
Read moreChicken pox is very common in young children under the age of 10, this condition is contagious and can spread like wild fire amongst the classroom. By a child having chicken pox when they are younger, their chances of getting it when they are older are greatly reduced. Chicken pox appears on the skin as a red, blister filled with
Read moreTypically chickenpox does not require any medical tests in order to diagnose. The symptoms of chickenpox are usually distinctive enough and can be distinguished from other conditions and rashes.(New Health advisor, 2015) “You can be pretty sure that it is chickenpox if there are the key symptoms of a mild fever followed by an itchy rash, with blisters and scabs”
Read moreAs will all medical conditions it is important to diagnose and intervene as soon as possible as to aid the severity of the condition and to promote recovery. Early diagnosis of the chickenpox will ensure children are cared for appropriately in the right environment. Appropriate medicine and prescriptions can be accessed which will lessen the effects of chicken pox and
Read moreWith all medical conditions staff in all settings should have appropriate and up to date training to ensure they are able to support the child’s medical needs appropriately and confidently. According to the statutory guidance “Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions”; The school’s policy should include that any member of school staff providing support to a pupil with
Read moreProcess of referral Chickenpox is usually diagnosed by physical examination from its distinctive rash. Because it is so contagious and common amongst children it is not essential that a child must visit their local GP. Unless the child is suffering severe symptoms of chickenpox, pneumonitis or may be at risk of further complications e.g newborn babies, pregnant women or people
Read moreGuidelines for Staff For staff dealing with children infected with the chickenpox, each early years setting will have their own policy to follow. In a nursery for example, they might deal with chickenpox by informing the child’s parents of the symptoms they have discovered, this could lead to phone calls being made to the parents of the child to come collect
Read moreTraining for Staff Staff should be aware of all conditions that affect children such as chickenpox, measles and mumps. Staff should be trained in all medical conditions that affect a child, so that practitioners know the correct procedures that they need to follow if a medical condition appears in the setting. In my setting we deal with chickenpox by ringing
Read moreProcess of referral Once a person has been infected with the chicken pox virus, it takes between 10 -21 days before the symptoms begins to show. A practitioner in the early years setting will suspect a child has chicken pox is they have been scratching a lot during the day or they have noticed spots on the child’s leg neck or face.
Read moreImportance of Early Diagnosis By diagnosing Chicken pox early on, it prevents other children from contracting chicken pox. This will prevents other children taking time off school as Chickenpox can spread quite fast amongst children. The child can be taken to the doctor so they can be diagnosed with Chickenpox and the parents can give the child Calpol and make
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