Talking to Your Doctor About Chickenpox

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Talk openly and often with your healthcare provider. It will help you make the best choices for your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will help you talk to your doctor:

Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
Write down your questions so you do not forget them.
Write down the answers you get. Make sure you grasp what you are hearing. Ask for help, if needed.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask where you can learn more. You have a right to know.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Your Risk of Getting Chickenpox

Should I be tested to see if I have immunity to chickenpox?
How long will it take for me to have symptoms if I exposed?
How long can a person spread the virus?

About Treatment Options

Should I be vaccinated against chickenpox?
What over the counter medicines can I take to ease symptoms?
What medicines can I take to lower the risk of health problems?
- What are the benefits/side effects of these medicines?
- Will these medicines cause problems with the other medicines, over the counter products, dietary or herbal supplements that I am already taking?
At what point should I get medical care for chickenpox?
How can I keep blisters from scarring?

About Lifestyle Changes

I’m pregnant or planning on getting pregnant soon. Are there any special steps I should take?
What steps should I take if I’m traveling out of the country?
How long do I need to keep my child away from others after getting chickenpox?

About Outlook

Are there any long-term health problems from chickenpox?

References:

Chickenpox. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/chickenpox. Accessed September 8, 2020.

Chickenpox. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 8, 2020.

Chickenpox (varicella). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 8, 2020.

Gershon AA, Breuer J, et al. Varicella zoster virus infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015 Jul 2;1:15016.

Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed September 8, 2020.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Shawna Grubb, RN
Last Updated: 3/23/2021

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