Treating
Chickenpox
Chickenpox/Shingles Fact Sheet
(PDF 15 KB)
Most healthy individuals do not require treatment for primary chickenpox
infection. The exceptions to this are adults with severe symptoms, newborn
infants, and children or adults who have compromised immune systems.
Fever that accompanies chickenpox should not be treated with aspirin or
ibuprofen because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Pregnant women who contract chickenpox should always consult their
physician.
Antiviral medications that exist are only recommended for specific
populations, such as persons with compromised immune systems or
adolescents and adults developing chickenpox.
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Treatment Recommendations
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Do not treat accompanying fever with aspirin or
Ibuprofen.
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Acetaminophen may be used for control of fever.
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Antiviral therapy use, route, and duration is based
on extent of infection and initial response to therapy.
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