Key symptoms of chickenpox to look out for in children
In response, Dr Corné Hurter responds: “Flu-like symptoms can appear one to two days before a rash forms on the skin.
It’s essential that all parents and carers can recognise the key symptoms of chickenpox and understand the importance of keeping your child isolated when unwell with the virus.”
Early symptoms of chickenpox to look out for:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
What to do if your child has chickenpox:
- Inform your child’s school immediately, so they are aware
- Keep them out of school or nursery, and avoid public places
- Get in contact with your local GP if you’re unsure it’s chickenpox, symptoms worsen, or your child has a weakened immune system
- Ease fever symptoms with paracetamol
- Dress children in loose clothing to minimise irritation
- Ensure your child’s nails are short to reduce the risk of infection and scarring from scratching
- Use cooling gels, compressions or calamine lotion to ease itching
Dr Corné Hurter reveals: “While chicken pox is common in childhood and usually mild, the infection can be more severe in people with underlying medical conditions or compromised immunity .”
When is it safe for children with chickenpox to leave the house?
Dr Corné Hurter reveals: “Even if your child starts to feel better, they can remain contagious for longer.
Children should be kept out of school and nursery environments and away from the general public until they stop developing new chickenpox spots and all blisters have crusted over.”
Dr Corné Hurter reveals children should stay home until:
- No new spots appear and all blisters have scabbed over
- They no longer have a fever (temperature of 38°C or over)
Doctor reveals the dangers of chickenpox parties
During the 1980s and 1990s, chickenpox parties became a widespread trend across the UK. Parents intentionally exposed their children to the chickenpox virus at ‘pox parties’, intending to help them develop immunity at a young age.
However, Dr Corné Hurter warns that chickenpox parties should be avoided under any circumstances, sharing: “Deliberately exposing children to the chickenpox virus through chickenpox parties is not only an outdated practice but can be dangerous.
Although cases of chickenpox are often mild, in some cases the virus can lead to more serious health complications, such as skin infections, pneumonia, and neurological conditions, especially in those with lower immunity.”
Dr Corné Hurter concludes: “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect children against chickenpox, so the government’s new programme is a vital step in safeguarding children’s health. Whilst the national vaccination programme is now being rolled out for children under two, ensuring you know symptoms, the dangers of pox parties and what to do if children have chickenpox is essential.”
Methodology
*GLIMPSE Google Trends UK Search Data - correct as of 05/01/2026
*https://www.england.nhs.uk/2026/01/hundreds-of-thousands-of-young-children-now-to-be-protected-against-chickenpox/
*https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chickenpox/
