chicken pox

So little guy finally got them...chicken pox. :( He's the sixth child from his class to get them. I've learned a lot about chicken pox this week. If you're a parent, teacher, or someone who takes care of children, you too should know these things. Allow me to share...

image via wikipedia.com

• Little guy was given the chicken pox vaccine when he was younger but still got a mild case of them.
• Even though little guy's case was mild (he only had about eight spots) he still suffered from other symptoms...fever, vomiting, sore throat, and loss of appetite.
• The spots look VERY similar to pimples, maybe even mosquito bites. The first spot little guy got was on his chin. I mistook it for a pimple.
• Little guy had a couple of spots days before he had a fever. Because he had no other symptoms I told myself it couldn't be chicken pox. I told myself it must be pimples from the 100 degree weather we've been having.
• I am SO thankful we did the vaccine. Although the fever and vomiting has not been fun, we did not have to experience the painful itching from lots of spots. Out of the eight that I counted, only about four of them are still visible, and little guy has not complained about itching.
• The Dr. gave little guy five days off school to prevent spreading to other children. Although I have read that it is contagious 1-5 days before a rash appears and continues to be contagious until all the blisters have formed scabs.

My Mommy advice about chicken pox...

• Don't be scared. This is normal and most children will get the chicken pox. It is much better to get it as a child.
• Take your child to the Dr. There is not a "chicken pox medicine" but it's important that a Dr. sees and diagnoses it. He/She will also prescribe something for the fever, vomiting (if needed), and a cream for the itching.
• Give your child time to rest and time to recover his/her appetite. Little guy wanted nothing but chocolate milk for almost two whole days. And chocolate milk is what he got. :)
• As with all Mommy things...TRUST YOUR INSTINCT! I remember last week when I saw about 3 spots on little guy during bath time, I got that rush of a feeling. It said, "he has it, he has chicken pox". I FELT it. But because he had no other symptoms and was his normal self, AND my hubby and housekeeper both told me there's no way, I thought I was being a paranoid parent. But you see, I KNEW. ;)

Please note that all the above info is from my experience alone. Every child is different, and cases of the chicken pox will be different. For more info, you can visit this link at wikipedia to learn more.