Staying Healthy in Child Care - National Health and Medical ...

Controlling the spread of infection
Chickenpox can be prevented by immunisation. Fully immunised communities offer
the best protection against chickenpox. Chickenpox vaccination is part of the
Australian Standard Vaccination Schedule for all children at 18 months of age from
1 st November 2005. Vaccination after exposure is usually successful in preventing
chickenpox when given within 3 days of exposure and may be successful when given
up to 5 days after exposure.
Varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) may be given to some contacts who are at
very high risk of complications because of other medical problems. This is not
recommended for normal healthy children.
Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Dispose of soiled tissues after wiping a runny nose or which are soiled with nose or
throat discharges. Wash hands carefully. Do not share eating utensils, food or drinking
cups.
Thoroughly wash toys that infants and toddlers put in their mouths.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment, but calamine lotion or phenergan may soothe the itch.
The use of a medicine containing paracetamol may be considered to lower the child’s
temperature or relieve discomfort. Never give aspirin to children who develop fever
after exposure to chickenpox. Aspirin appears to increase the risk of Reye’s
syndrome, a rare but serious disorder characterised by sleepiness and vomiting.
Reye’s syndrome can lead to coma and death.
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Draft for Public Consultation