CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Chickenpox - Management
How should I manage a woman with chickenpox who is breastfeeding?
- Offer symptomatic treatment.
- Consider prescribing aciclovir if the woman presents within 24 hours of the onset of the rash (particularly if severe chickenpox or risk of complications).
- Seek urgent specialist advice regarding whether the mother should continue to breastfeed if she has chickenpox.
- Give advice about contact with other people and when to seek medical advice.
- Admit to hospital if serious complications (e.g. pneumonia, encephalitis) are suspected.
- Notify the relevant authorities if in Scotland or Northern Ireland (chickenpox is not a notifiable disease in England or Wales).
In depth
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement