How many days does chickenpox fever last?

Chickenpox commonly causes an itchy rash that changes from spots to fluid-filled blisters and then scabs. Fever, tiredness and reduced appetite may occur around the start of the rash. The fever pattern varies with age, immunity and the severity of illness. Fever alone cannot identify chickenpox: acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, brucellosis, cellulitis, a common cold, COVID-19 and croup can also cause fever, with different symptoms and treatments.

Offer regular fluids, rest and appropriately sized meals. Keep nails short and use gentle measures recommended by a pharmacist or clinician to reduce scratching. Use paracetamol only as directed for the person’s age and situation; avoid aspirin in children, and ask a clinician before using ibuprofen. Keep the person away from pregnant people, newborns and those with weakened immunity until a clinician confirms they are no longer contagious. Do not scratch or open blisters.

Seek prompt medical advice if fever lasts beyond the expected early illness, returns after improving, or occurs with increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus around a blister. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, unusual sleepiness, confusion, severe headache, repeated vomiting, dehydration or a rapidly worsening rash. Contact a clinician early if the person is pregnant, a newborn, an adult with chickenpox or has reduced immunity.

Ask whether the rash is chickenpox, how to manage itching and fever safely, when school or work can be resumed, and whether antiviral treatment or review is needed.