There are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the infection, including:
taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve fever, aches and pains – aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years old
drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
closing the curtains to help reduce light sensitivity
using damp cotton wool to clean the eyes
staying off school or work for at least four days from when the rash first appears
In severe cases, especially if there are complications, you or your child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.
It's difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk: do regular back exercises and stretches – your GP or a physiotherapist may be able to advise you about exercises to try stay active – doing regular exercise can help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do 150 minutes of exercise a week avoid sitting for too long when driving or at work take care when lifting – read some safe lifting tips check your posture when sitting, using computers and watching television – find out how to sit correctly and tips for laptop users ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise if you're overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain