Once all the blisters have scabbed over and no lesions appear, the child is no longer contagious. The incubation period, from the time of exposure until breakout, is about two to three weeks. Antihistamines can be prescribed to ease the itching, and antibiotics may be needed if the scratching causes a bacterial infection. Chicken pox is most dangerous to children with leukemia or other immune deficiency diseases. A vaccine and other preventative treatments should be discussed with your child's doctor.
Early symptoms resemble the flu or other upper respiratory illnesses.
Before a diphtheria vaccine was developed in the 1930s, this disease killed thousands. This vaccine is usually administered together with the pertussis and tetanus vaccines beginning at 2 months of age. Within a few days, spots looking like tiny grains of white sand appear inside the mouth. Measles itself is not dangerous unless complications, such as pneumonia, severe ear infection or encephalitis, set in. Avoid measles by having your child vaccinated.