Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Chickenpox and getting on train

21 replies

Kmj2018 · 22/12/2021 18:30

Hi,

So at my daughters nursery there has been about 5 reported cases of chickenpox in the last 2 weeks. My daughter does not have it yet and I have been throughly checking everyday . The issue I have is that we are going to see my parents tomorrow and will be getting on a very busy 3.5hrs train and also staying at a nearby hotel for 4 nights. I’m concerned firstly about her feeling ill and miserable and not being at home if she gets it whilst we are away but I’m also worried we will have issues at the hotel and getting on the train back home as I’m sure it’ll be a busy train and don’t want passengers to get angry with us as I know it’s very contagious! What would you do if you were in my shoes ! This would be the 2nd Xmas in a row not seeing grandparents 😢 she is 100% fine now, no spots ,nothing but I know chickenpox has incubation period of 10 days . Would you just stay at home?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 22/12/2021 18:36

Incubation period is 10-21 days. If she isn't showing signs I'd just go as you can't put your life on hold for the full incubation period

LakeShoreD · 22/12/2021 18:40

The incubation can be as long as 3 weeks! Go and don’t give it a second thought as you can’t put your life on hold for that long when there’s a decent chart she doesn’t even have it. Also chickenpox isn’t a bother to most people because anyone above primary school age will almost certainly have immunity because they’ve either had it before or had the vaccine. If you want to be mindful avoid sitting next to young kids maybe!

HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 18:51

If she comes down with chicken pox while away I wouldn't travel back via train unless the spots have crusted over. NHS website advises to keep away from newborns, pregnant women and those with a weakened immune system.

She might not come down with it at all.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
Original poster
Kmj2018 · 22/12/2021 18:56

Oh I didn’t realise incubation can be as long as 21 days. Yeah you’re right, I’m over thinking it! I should just go. I just don’t want to be turned away from getting back on the train or have issues at the hotel with other guest or even staff at breakfast ect . But I guess I’ll have to cross that bridge if it happens! And pray it won’t happen 🙏

OP posts:
Original poster
Kmj2018 · 22/12/2021 19:01

Half holly that is my main worry. If she gets it whilst we are away. I’m not only worried about the train back but we are also staying at a hotel so wouldn’t be able to leave the room . Guess I’ll just have to keep fingers crossed 🤞

OP posts:
HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 19:03

If she does come down you'd need to keep her away from other guests and you couldn't really bring her back by train until the spots have done their scabbing thing. Do you have any family members/friends you could stay with should the worst happen? Might not happen at all but sometimes having a backup plan helps put your mind at rest. I wouldn't panic.

RichardMarxisinnocent · 22/12/2021 19:04

@LakeShoreD

The incubation can be as long as 3 weeks! Go and don’t give it a second thought as you can’t put your life on hold for that long when there’s a decent chart she doesn’t even have it. Also chickenpox isn’t a bother to most people because anyone above primary school age will almost certainly have immunity because they’ve either had it before or had the vaccine. If you want to be mindful avoid sitting next to young kids maybe!
Chicken pox vaccine isn't given as part of routine vaccination in the UK is it? So if the OP is in the UK then it certainly isn't the case that most people over primary age have either had it or had the vaccine.
HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 19:05

Hope it all goes well and you have a fabulous Christmas with the grandparents. I think when my son had chicken pox the Dr recommended one pain killer over another so check which is best to give.

Cheshirewife · 22/12/2021 19:07

In those circumstances, afraid I’d either stay at home or at least travel by car. Not worth the risk of giving it to others or not being able to safely get home.

dementedpixie · 22/12/2021 19:08

@HalfHolly

Hope it all goes well and you have a fabulous Christmas with the grandparents. I think when my son had chicken pox the Dr recommended one pain killer over another so check which is best to give.
Don't give ibuprofen if they have chickenpox. Paracetamol only
HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 19:08

www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/chickenpox#treating-chickenpox

Advice on painkillers for CP on this site.

TyrannosaurusRegina · 22/12/2021 19:13

I'd take her down on the train but obviously if she develops spots, you can't take her back on the train. If for some reason you do, then you should move her or quietly say to anyone that sits down near her, you never know, someone could be pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 22/12/2021 19:13

I think you need to be ready for her to get it and think what you'll do if she does. I had one of my kids in hospital with chicken pox (not many spots but after 3 days had a temp of over 40 and was treated for sepsis). And another of mine required lots of antihistamine and 3/4 baths a day to keep them comfortable.
I'm not saying don't go but I would go fully prepared and have a contingency plan.

wetwiped · 22/12/2021 19:16

Definitely have a back up plan just in case. In no way should you mix on the train or hotel if your DD ends up with CP....I had it as an adult when 4 months pregnant. Awfully poorly but very lucky no problems with pregnancy.

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 22/12/2021 19:17

If she doesn't get it - get her vaccinated against it if you can. I've done this for my youngest 2. It's an almost worldwide vaccination now - very well proven and will mean you're never in this position again.

HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 19:22

My husband missed our son's birth because he had shingles. But obviously there was no way he could attend!

Billandben444 · 22/12/2021 19:43

I'd take her down on the train but obviously if she develops spots, you can't take her back on the train. If for some reason you do, then you should move her or quietly say to anyone that sits down near her, you never know, someone could be pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
What! I can't believe I've just read this selfish, irresponsible advice. There's no 'if for some reason you do' about it.

toastofthetown · 22/12/2021 19:44

I'd go but with a back up plan for if she develops chicken pox when she is there. Be that driving, staying for longer, finding alternative accommodation until she is no longer contagious. Going on the train while she is contagious isn't really an option. I'd also let the grandparents know, in case there's a reason they'd need to avoid her.

Also not sure if a chicken pox vaccine would work post exposure.

Seemssounfair · 22/12/2021 20:01

It took 3 rounds of chicken pox in ds"s nursery before he caught it.

I would go and hope for the best, but have a plan as you cant travel back if they are contagious.

Original poster
Kmj2018 · 22/12/2021 20:26

Thanks everyone for helping me make a decision. So we plan to go as it looks like they’ll be another lock down soon. God knows when we will be able to see the grandparents again if we don’t. We will just have to stay in an Airbnb and go back home later if she gets it.

OP posts:
HalfHolly · 22/12/2021 20:29

I hope everything works out for you OP and that your little one remains healthy.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page