Antiviral medicine for chickenpox?

[skukuza]

DD (3.5yo) has come out in a viral rash today which the doctor thinks is chicken pox. She prescribed an antiviral medicine for DD to take.

We live abroad and I feel that sometimes the doctors here over prescribe.

Is it usual in the UK for a child to take antiviral medicine for chicken pox? Would you give it to your DC or just let the virus run its course?

Could taking an antiviral now affect immunity in the future?

No we wouldn't get anti virals for chicken pox. I didn't even take mine to the GP when they had it as it's contagious and didnt want to infect everyone in the waiting room

You would know if it is chicken pox. It isn't a rash, they are full blown lumps and are very itchy. Medicine isn't prescribed for viral infections in the UK unless it won't go or the person is considered high risk for the virus developing into something serious.

Dd had antivirals for chickenpox but she has an underlying condition which made her vulnerable to a secondary infection. It definitely shortened the length of time she had chickenpox ( I gave it at the very first sign of one spot).