Lübeck informs: City mothers against chickenpox – this is how you protect your children!

Lübeck informs: City mothers against chickenpox – this is how you protect your children!

On June 24, 2025, the Lübeck Health Department was a guest of the Lübeck City Mothers. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Schiffner informed the team about important health issues that play a role in the everyday lives of many families. Particular attention was paid to the reportable infections, the transmission routes of diseases and the appropriate protective measures that are important both for one's own health and for others. Chickenpox, a common disease in children, was also specifically discussed.

The “Lübeck City Mothers” project by the “Women Helping Women e.V.” association aims to support women with and without a migration background. Training imparts knowledge that is of great value to families and communities. Merle Speck, social worker and project coordinator, reported on the positive feedback from the course participants and the joy about the good cooperation with the health department. Interested institutions are invited to contact the health department by email to find out more about the supporting offers.

Chickenpox – A topic of great importance

Chickenpox is caused by the highly contagious varicella-zoster virus and is primarily found in childhood. “The risk of infection begins two days before the characteristic skin rash appears,” explains the official information center on communicable diseases. The virus can survive in the outside world for a few hours, which facilitates its spread. The first symptoms often include fever, fatigue and headache, followed by an itchy rash that develops into blisters.

The blisters are not only unpleasant, but also highly infectious - especially the liquid inside. The health department and various experts emphasize how important hygiene guidelines are: Regular hand washing, avoiding shared towels and ventilating rooms are key measures of preventative hygiene. Parents should also follow a few clear rules when dealing with sick children.

Precautions and vaccination recommendations

The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends that children receive two vaccinations against chickenpox: the first dose at 11 months and the second at 15 months. Sick children, students and employees are not allowed to leave community facilities until all blisters have completely crusted over. This is to protect others and is particularly important because chickenpox can lead to more severe cases in adults and pregnant women.

Early diagnosis and adherence to basic hygiene rules can be crucial. In severe cases, further medical interventions are of course necessary, and there are possible complications, such as bacterial superinfections of the skin or, in rare cases, pneumonia.

The commitment of the city mothers and the health department is a further building block in strengthening knowledge about this widespread disease and actively supporting health promotion in Lübeck. With a good knack for education and prevention, the hope is that diseases like chickenpox will, in the best case scenario, not even arise or can be detected and treated more quickly.

For further information on chickenpox and other communicable diseases, visit our article on Lübeck.de or the official page on infection protection.