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Booking in appointment contact with chickenpox

7 replies

katonic · 17/05/2016 21:42

Hello all,
I've just been given a date for my booking in appointment which is next Wednesday. On the letter they specifically say not to attend if you have a rash or think you may have been in contact with chickenpox. The issue is I'm visiting my lovely friends at the weekend who just informed me their toddler is likely to come down with the pox very soon as his cousin has it and they see each other most days.
I've had chickenpox, so not too worried about getting it myself as I should be immune, however would I be a risk to other people at the maternity unit if I go to the appointment after seeing my friends at the weekend? Surely I won't be contagious or carrying any viruses if I'm immune? Or is it that I could infect other people even if I'm perfectly healthy?
I really don't want to cancel my trip as we only get to see each other a few times a year, but I definitely don't want to put other people at risk. Anyone been in the same situation? What did you do? Would appreciate any advice!

OP posts:

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cheapredwine · 18/05/2016 17:51

I think you should ring them and explain. They'll tell you if they'd rather you didn't.

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CurvyBlonde · 19/05/2016 21:57

As a pregnant woman you can't be anywhere near anyone with chicken pox or shingles, as the virus is dangerous for the foetus, so I'd cancel your visit if your friend's little one is likely to have it. Is it worth putting your baby in danger?

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DuckWaddle · 19/05/2016 22:01

As you've had chickenpox you will have immunity and therefore won't 'carry' the virus to others. So it's no problem at all

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DuckWaddle · 19/05/2016 22:06

See the bottom of this page which confirms it is fine
www.babycentre.co.uk/a536352/chickenpox-in-pregnancy

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nut3lla · 19/05/2016 22:13

If you've already had chicken pox you should now be immune. You can't act as a carrier. I'm a teacher and had plenty experience of being around children with it (or just before when they were most infectious) was pregnant and as a mum, never transferred chicken pox home or when my class had chicken pox. enjoy this exciting time! Sadly the worries don't stop

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tuesdaywednesday · 19/05/2016 22:14

You don't know you're immune unless you have an immunity test.

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katonic · 19/05/2016 22:20

That's quite a comprehensive article, thanks duckwaddle. I think as I've had it and I'll be 10.4 weeks there is very very minimal risk to me or the foetus, and it seems that if I'm immune then I shouldn't be a risk to others either.
He's not got spots yet so fingers crossed I'm not even exposed! Although I know they are contagious for a few days before the rash appears...