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• Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is sometimes used to treat chickenpox. It helps only if started within 24 hours after the sores appeared. It reduces the number of sores and shortens the duration of the sores. Premature babies, adolescents, and adults that are at risk for acute chickenpox are advised to take this medication.
• Chickenpox sores can become infected. If this happens, an antibiotic ointment can be prescribed by a physician.
• Most babies are born healthy even if their mother does contact chickenpox during pregnancy. However, early pregnancy chickenpox may infect the fetus and cause severe birth defects.
• Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness that is thought to become less a part of childhood as more and more children are given the Varivax or chicken pox vaccine. The Varivax vaccine was approved by the FDA in 1995. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that a single dose of this vaccine be give to all children between the ages of twelve months and twelve years that haven't contacted this disease, and not been vaccinated with Varivax. Children that haven't contacted chickenpox and are 13 years or older should be given two shots of the vaccine, four to eight weeks apart. This vaccine as been shown to be as much as 90 percent effective in the prevention of chickenpox. At this time the long term effectiveness of the vaccine is not known. It may be that a booster shot could be considered in later years.

• Adults with chickenpox should see a doctor for treatment suggestions. A fasting program is recommended.
• After the fever is gone and the appetite has returned you need to start out with only avocados, applesauce plain, yogurt, and bananas (mashed).
• Do not scratch pocks. Ease some of the itching with wet compresses, ginger and cold water baths, or warm tea baths with certain herbs. To help the child stop itching, keep his nails short, give him baths regularly, and keep mittens on his hands if necessary.
• Feverish children should not take aspirin as it could potentially cause Reyes syndrome.
• For an infant with a fever, refrain from cow's milk or formula. Soy, rice, or almond milk is allowed for babies six months and older. The infant should drink a lot of water. Another alternative is fresh, diluted juice with 100-1,000 mg of vitamin C per 4 ounces of juice.
• Fresh juice with protein powder is recommended along with vegetable broth.
• Keep the child away from family members who have not had chickenpox, pregnant women, newborns, and elderly people.
• Oatmeal (uncooked) or cornstarch baths help alleviate itching.
• Stay away from bright lights, especially sunlight.
• The following symptoms require immediate attention from your physician: Fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, dizziness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, stiff neck, tremors, and loss of muscle coordination.