Chicken Pox

[As476]

I think my youngest has chicken pox, neither of my children have had it previously, so this is a first for me. I had it when I was little, am I still ok to go to work?

I honestly don’t have a clue, I know that I can’t take the children out until all the spots have scabbed over, but I’m not sure on the protocol for me!

Their Dad hasn’t had it either, does he need to keep away? I do have other adults that can look after them that have had it whilst I’m at work, but I can’t afford not to go. Obviously if I can’t go I won’t, but I don’t want to cancel a shift needlessly at the last minute. Thankyou!

I'd suggest their dad gets the vaccine ASAP.

Thankyou. It’s not something his parents ever thought to tell him until he asked, but I’m not sure if it will be too late as he’s already been unknowingly exposed if you see what I mean.

I’d probably call GP because there are lots of diseases that look like chicken pox but aren’t. Because it’s contagious they may do a home visit.

One rash causing disease is scarlet fever..which is a strep caused disease and much more dangerous than chicken pox. Over a dozen people in Essex just died from strep infections.
Another is fifth disease...parvo-virus.
Measles..even if vaccinated some kids still get it.
I personally would not assume it’s chicken pox and get kid seen by a Dr.

Ooh ok Thankyou I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll call them when they reopen after lunch. I have spoken to a paramedic and a nurse - family members - and they’ve said it does look like chicken pox, but I’ll definitely get an opinion from the GP.

You can get vaccine up to 5 days after exposure, but sooner the better

The period of being contagious starts 2ish days before the spots appear and continues until they crust over. So your DH and other kids will have already been exposed, there's no point keeping them away. It can take 2-3 weeks for the illness to appear after being exposed to it so you've got a long summer holiday ahead Sorry! Get poxyclin, it's really good for little ones.

You are fine to go to work though.

Thankyou so much for all the advice, I did contact my boss in the end and he said I was fine to come in. They’ll definitely have been past 5 days exposure. Thank god we have a garden or I’d go stir crazy.