chicken pox - is ds likely to get it?

[nopudstilleaster]

Hi all, just had a call from a friend who's ds has come out in chicken pox today. As we saw them on Friday, is it likely that he was infectious then? If so, when will ds start getting spots if he has caught it?

tia

[princesscc]

I think chickenpox is infectious for up 2 weeks before the spots come out, so you could be waiting a couple of weeks before you see any signs. The first ones usual come up around the back of their ears or under their arms - if they get spots - sometimes mild version is more rashy.

[belgo]

I thought it was infectious for just a couple of days before the rash comes out?

It takes between 10 days and three weeks or so for the spots to come out.

[lemonaid]

Yes, he would have been infectious then -- in fact, would probably have been at his most infectious. From what I remember from the posters at DS's nursery last time there was an outbreak, the incubation period is 11-21 days from being exposed until spots appear,

[3sEnough]

They're really infections 2 days before the spots come up - 3 days is possible. My dd2 saw about 10 children on the morning the spots came out (that evening) and not one of them caught it! My ds however managed to effectively infect an entire coffee morning full of children though - but it was a 'catch the pox' morning!lol

[lemonaid]

At least, probably have been infectious then -- generally quoted as being most infectious "a few days" before the spots appear, which is nicely vague.

[3sEnough]

Sorry - meant to say - not infectious for 2 weeks before - just incubating for 10-21 days until 2 days b4 and THEN really infectious.

[nearlythree]

Yes, your friend's ds would have been infectious. It can take 2-3 weeks' before you knowif your ds will get it but the version my dds got took 11 days. Depending on your ds' age, stock up on calamine, bicarb off soda for the bath, phenergan or piriton, and Eurax (better than calamine but for over threes unless your doctor gives you permission).

[sauce]

hello nopud. I think you're in for it as chicken pox is highly contagious. Dd had it at 3 yrs & 2 weeks later, ds (then 4 mos) came down with it. First symptoms seem to be fever & feeling generally poorly. There are some good products to soothe the itching once it starts.

[nopudstilleaster]

blimy, quick responses!

Thanks very much, guess I'll keep an eye out over the next couple of weeks!