Spring is the season of new beginnings – plants, flowers, and even bacteria and viruses! As germs become more active in spring, it is the peak season of chickenpox in children. If you want to prevent chickenpox and its complications in your children, get them vaccinated as soon as possible.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which peaks from November to February of the next year. It usually affects children aged below 12.

Chickenpox is transmitted through air droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or via direct contact (touching or inhaling) with the virus particles in the rash. After exposure to an infected person, it takes 10 to 21 days to develop chickenpox.

Infected children usually present with fever, itchy skin rashes, etc. Rashes can develop in different body parts, such as the head and limbs, and will then become vesicles and trigger extreme itchiness. They will dry up after 3 to 4 days and form scabs. As chickenpox is highly infectious, patients should avoid leaving their homes to prevent the spread of the virus.

Will chickenpox recur?

People who recovered from chickenpox will be immune to the disease for the rest of their lives, but the virus will be very likely to remain inactive in their bodies. If their immune system weakens as they age, the virus may reactivate and cause shingles.

Should children receive chickenpox vaccination?

Yes, they should.

Immunisation is the best way to prevent chickenpox. About 90% of people who receive a single dose of the vaccine will acquire immunity, largely reducing the risk of complications (e.g., cellulitis, septicaemia, encephalitis). Even if they are infected with the virus, their symptoms will be milder and may require only a few days to heal.

Therefore, during chickenpox outbreaks in spring, parents should bring their children aged 12 months to 12 years to paediatric clinics for chickenpox immunisation.

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