When Can My Child Go Back To School After Chickenpox?

*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

If you have any concerns, please speak to a doctor or healthcare professional.

It can be tough to know when your child is ready to go back to school after chickenpox. 

The early stages of the virus are often mild, with just a few spots on the skin, but in some cases symptoms can be more severe.

If your child has a fever, is feeling generally unwell, or has developed a rash resembling shingles, it's best to wait until they have recovered completely before sending them back to school.

In most cases, this will be after the skin has healed and scabs have formed.

However, as chickenpox is highly infectious, it's important to check with your child's nursery or school about their policy on returning children who have been infected.

General Information About Chickenpox

It can be tough to know when your child is ready to go back to school after chickenpox.

The early stages of the virus are often mild, with just a few spots on the skin, but in some cases symptoms can be more severe.

If your child has a fever, is feeling generally unwell, or has developed a rash resembling shingles, it's best to wait until they have recovered completely before sending them back to school.

In most cases, this will be after the skin has healed and scabs have formed.

However, as chickenpox is highly infectious, it's important to check with your child's nursery or school about their policy on returning children who have been infected.

Impact of Chickenpox Vaccination

Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of chickenpox.

The chickenpox vaccine helps protect against the virus and its complications, with two doses providing about 90% protection.

Benefits of Vaccination:

• Prevents Severe Illness: Vaccinated individuals generally experience milder symptoms.
• Reduces Spread: Widespread vaccination helps prevent school and community outbreaks.
• School Policies: Many schools require proof of vaccination for enrollment, reducing the need for extended absences.

Chicken Pox School Policy Uk

Most schools in the UK have a policy on chicken pox, which states that children cannot return to school until all of their spots have crusted over.

This is usually after around 5-7 days.

If your child is taking ibuprofen to help with the itching, it's important to make sure they stop taking it 24 hours before returning to school.

This is because ibuprofen can sometimes prolong the virus and increase the risk of developing shingles later in life.

It's also worth noting that chickenpox parties are no longer recommended, as there is a small risk that your child could develop complications from the virus.

If your child does develop chickenpox, it's important to keep an eye on them for any further symptoms.

They should also avoid contact with anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or has never had chickenpox before.

If you have any concerns, it's always best to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional.

Chicken pox usually lasts for around two weeks. Most people will recover without any problems, but some may develop complications such as pneumonia or meningitis.

If you're worried about your child's health, it's always best to speak to a healthcare professional.

Related: Four Ways Children Could Make Up For Lost School Time

Can I Go To Work If My Child Has Chickenpox?

If you have chickenpox, it's best to stay at home until all of the spots have crusted over. This is usually after around five to seven days.

You should also avoid contact with anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or has never had chickenpox before.

Because of the highly contagious nature of chickenpox, it's best to avoid going to work or school until you have fully recovered.

If you work with children, it's important to let your employer know as soon as possible so that they can make arrangements for you to take time off.

For this reason, it's important to take precautions and avoid contact with others if you or your child has the virus.

If you have any concerns, it's always best to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional.

Can A Parent Of A Child With Chickenpox Pass It On?

Yes, it's possible for a parent of a child with chicken pox to pass on the virus.

This is because chickenpox is highly contagious and can be passed on through direct contact with the spots or through the air.

It's important to take precautions and avoid contact with others if you or your child has the virus.

Related: Can You Be A Carrier Of Chicken pox If You Visit Someone?

Preventing Shingles:

• Vaccination: The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 and can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a strong immune system through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help prevent the reactivation of the virus.
• Manage Stress: Reducing stress through mindfulness, meditation, and other relaxation techniques may lower the chances of shingles.

What happens if I get chickenpox as an adult but never had as a child?

If you get chickenpox as an adult, it's important to seek medical help promptly. Adults can experience more severe symptoms and complications, such as:

• Pneumonia: Serious lung infection causing severe cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain leading to severe headaches, confusion, and seizures.

Due to these risks, monitor your symptoms closely and avoid contact with high-risk individuals like pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have chickenpox.

Wrapping Up:

Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that can be passed on through direct contact with the rash or through the air.

It's important to take precautions and avoid contact with others if you or your child has the virus.

Most people will recover within two weeks, but it's important to seek medical help if you're an adult and have never had chickenpox before.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious virus that can be passed on through direct contact with the rash or through the air.

It's important to take precautions and avoid contact with others if you or your child has the virus.

Most people will recover from chickenpox within two weeks, but it's important to seek medical help if you're an adult and have never had chickenpox before.

This is because the virus can be more severe in adults and can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia or meningitis.

If you're a parent of a child with chickenpox, you may be wondering when your child can go back to school.

The answer depends on a few factors, such as the severity of the rash and how long ago chickenpox was contracted.

If your child has a mild case of chickenpox, they may be able to return to school after 5-7 days. However, if their rash is more severe, they may need to stay home for longer.

It's also important to make sure that all of the spots have crusted over before your child returns to school.

This is because chickenpox is still contagious until all of the spots have crusted over.

If you have any concerns about when your child can return to school, it's always best to speak to your child's doctor.

They will be able to give you specific advice based on your child's individual case.

FAQ's:

Is chickenpox still contagious after 7 days?

The chickenpox virus is most contagious when the rash is present. However, it can still be passed on for a few days after the spots have crusted over.

Can I give my child ibuprofen if they have chickenpox?

Ibuprofen can help to relieve the itching associated with chickenpox. However, it's important to make sure that your child stops taking it 24 hours before returning to school. This is because ibuprofen can sometimes prolong the virus and increase the risk of developing shingles later in life.

What is the exclusion period for chickenpox?

The exclusion period for chickenpox is usually around 5-7 days. This is to ensure that the virus isn't passed on to others.

Can siblings go to school if one has chicken pox?

If one of your siblings has chickenpox, it's important to avoid contact with them. However, siblings who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can continue to go to school.

Should grandparents look after grandchildren with chickenpox?

If you're a grandparent and you're looking after a grandchild with chickenpox, it's important to take precautions. This includes avoiding contact with anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, or has never had chickenpox before. You should also make sure that you wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or bedding.

Can you get chicken pox twice as a child?

It's very rare to get chickenpox twice as a child. However, it is possible to develop shingles later in life if you've had chickenpox before. This is because the chickenpox virus remains dormant in your body and can reactivate later on.

What are shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster) in the body. It usually affects people over the age of 50 but can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox.