Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, with fever and itchy blisters at different stages. A healthy child usually recovers without specific treatment, but a young baby, pregnant person, adult or someone with weakened immunity can become seriously ill and needs early assessment by telephone.

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Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, with fever and itchy blisters at different stages. A healthy child usually recovers without specific treatment, but a young baby, pregnant person, adult or someone with weakened immunity can become seriously ill and needs early assessment by telephone.

  • Itchy red spots that become bumps, blisters and then scabs, while new spots keep appearing.
  • Fever, tiredness, reduced appetite, headache or feeling out of sorts around the start of the rash.
  • Offer drinks regularly and monitor urination, alertness and breathing; offer cool, soothing drinks and soft food for mouth blisters.
  • Keep nails short, wash hands, discourage a child from scratching and use loose, breathable clothing to limit skin damage.
  • Call the same day in pregnancy, for a young baby, weakened immunity or use of strong immunosuppressive medicines.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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ShinglesShingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Blisters usually form in a band on one side of the body or face. Treatment works best when a doctor assesses early whether an antiviral is needed. A rash near the eye, nose or ear, a severely weakened immune system, pregnancy or rapidly becoming more unwell needs particularly prompt assessment.
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FluFlu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. It often starts suddenly with fever or chills, muscle pain, headache, tiredness and a dry cough. Most healthy people recover at home, but flu can be severe in young children, older people, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions. In Curaçao, dengue and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms; warning signs and people at higher risk need timely assessment.
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Genital herpesGenital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The first outbreak may be painful, with blisters, sores or burning, but many people have mild symptoms or none at all. You can pass on the virus without visible blisters too. Herpes needs extra attention during pregnancy because a newborn baby can become seriously unwell.