Dear Parents/Caregivers

This week we have a reported case of Chickenpox in our students. If your child has not had the vaccine or previously had the virus, be aware of the following symptoms and take them to the GP:

• a fever
• a headache
• a runny nose
• a cough
• loss of appetite
• feeling tired
• Blisters forming

Chickenpox is a viral illness. It is the same virus that can cause shingles, which usually occurs later in life.
Key points to remember about chickenpox

• chickenpox is a common childhood illness caused by a virus
• it is very easy to catch
• most cases of chickenpox are mild and children get better completely
• your child needs to see a doctor if they have a very high fever or are very ill, particularly if they become very drowsy, or are breathing fast or vomiting a lot
• children with chickenpox need to stay home from school.