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INFORMATION FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE HORACE MANN SCHOOL |
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Lee-Ann Halbert, R.N., School Nurse |
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CHICKEN POX |
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Chicken pox - varicella virus - is a viral disease
with a period of incubation time between exposure and symptoms from 10 -
21 days. A child is considered contagious from a few days before
onset of symptoms until all crops of skin eruptions have crusted over.
The student may not return to school until the last crop of skin eruptions
is completely dry. Signs and symptoms include moderate fever, headache, discomfort, and occasional sore throat. Skin eruptions often begin on the child's trunk and then spread to his/her face, neck, and extremities. The pox look like elevated red bumps with a fluid filled clear center (called a vesicle). The eruptions begin shortly after the onset of symptoms and last a few days to two weeks. The rash appears in crops and will open and crust over. They can be extremely itchy. Scratching should be discouraged to prevent secondary infection and scarring. Aspirin or products containing aspirin should NOT be given to a child with chicken pox, as Reye's Syndrome may result. In addition to contacting your pediatrician with your child's symptoms, please call the school nurse's office to inform us of your child's illness. |