COVID and monkeypox may be the ones making the news right now, but at Beckford Health we are seeing an increasing number of chickenpox cases. For this month's health focus we want to revisit this old classic and make sure you have all the information you need to keep you and your whanau in top health. What is Chickenpox? Chickenpox is a viral infection which, among other things, causes small blisters to appear on the skin. These blisters may look like a rash and can be incredibly itchy. It is important to keep an eye on children with chicken pox as scratching these blisters can cause bleeding, infection and even scarring. Although chicken pox is often associated with young children, anybody without immunity is susceptible to the virus. Although rare, it is possible for chickenpox to lead to serious complications, especially for pregnant women. So make sure to monitor your symptoms and reach out to your GP team if you have any concerns. How do you get it? Chickenpox is highly infectious and can be spread through air droplets like coughing, sneezing or laughing. Direct contact with fluid from the blisters may also lead to infection.