GP Dr Nighat Arif says the two are “caused by different viruses – monkeypox comes from the smallpox virus, whereas chickenpox comes from the varicella zoster virus”.
She notes that monkeypox “can spread like chickenpox”.
Monkeypox symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen glands, chills and exhaustion. Within one to five days of the first symptoms, you may notice a rash developing.
The rash will go through several stages. At first, it might look like raised spots, which then might turn into small blisters filled with fluid. They will then form scabs that will later fall off.
Symptoms can last from two to four weeks, and the virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Chickenpox symptoms include a high temperature, aches and pains, difficulty eating or loss of appetite, and an itchy rash. The rash tends to blister and dry up, creating similar scabs to that of monkeypox.
However, Arif says you should be able to tell the difference between the two. You might find your child’s “temperature will be higher with monkeypox, and they may complain of backache, lower leg aches, chills, and very tender glands around their neck”.
She also shares the “blisters are bigger [with monkeypox]. The chances of them having it are very slim if they haven’t travelled or been in close contact with someone who has”.
When treating both monkeypox and chickenpox, Arif says: “The incubation period is really important. Isolate until the last blister crusts for chickenpox, but make sure to take three weeks for monkeypox. If your child has chickenpox, please don’t let them into school – isolate them and be careful. It may take a couple of weeks, but it is better than putting people who are vulnerable at risk.”
Arif also suggests using similar treatments to help a child who has chickenpox or monkeypox. “Keep up your intake of fluids, try and eat and give them Calpol to tackle the temperature,” she advises.
If you are struggling to get their temperature down or have any other concerns, speak to a doctor or call 999.
At present, there is a minimal risk of monkeypox infection, with Arif saying: “We haven’t come across any cases in my surgery. This is not a new virus, and public health [bodies] are very aware of it. Smallpox vaccines are being secured in case there is a problem.” She suggests the risks are minimal for children with chickenpox or monkeypox.
“Monkeypox may make you feel awful when you have it, but [for many people] it is a self-limiting virus and you will feel fine after. However, if you are vulnerable, both can be really dangerous.”
When it comes to chickenpox, “Children may get it mildly and then get on with it. But, as with any virus, it is the individuals they come into contact with that may have issues. Adults who haven’t had it, and those who are pregnant or immunosuppressed will have the worst response to the pox.”
