We have had a few cases of chickenpox this week - if your child is feeling unwell please keep them at home. 

The initial symptoms of chickenpox include fatigue, a mild fever, lack of appetite, and a feeling of being generally unwell. This is quickly followed (usually within 24 hours) by the development of a red rash, which usually appears on the chest and/or back first, later spreading to the face, scalp, arms, and legs.

Twelve to 48 hours later the rash develops into small red spots. These then turn into yellow fluid-filled blisters, which burst and dry up 3-4 days after they appear. There may be several crops of spots occurring over 4-5 days. The spots cause itching, which may be severe. They may occur all over the body, including the mouth and genital area. Some people may have only a few spots whereas others will have hundreds.

Symptoms start appearing 10-21 days after exposure to the virus. Full recovery from chickenpox usually takes 7-10 days after the symptoms first appear.