Taking baby with chickenpox to my wedding.

[Raiderhead]

Help! My one year old has just got spots today (suspect chickenpox) and I'm getting married on Saturday! Do I take him with us to the ceremony or hire a babysitter and have him miss out?

oh OP, that's rubbish! I think you might be fine by Saturday, DC1's had all scabbed over in 4 days, and was only ill for the first 2 of those, but it'll be close.

Having a babysitter on standby is a good plan. Hope you won't have to use them!

HPA guidance seems to have changed and Away has it right, not considered infections until all vesicles have crusted over.

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/353953/Guidance_on_infection_control_in_schools_11_Sept.pdf

Well done op for right decision. Even if scabbed over hes been an ill little boy so it would be enjoyable for him. Best to keep him quiet. You can then enjoy the day without worrying about him. Congratulations and all the best. The day will go quickly so enjoy every moment, even the bits that arent perfect. Xxx

bummer i mean considered infectious until all lesions crusted over. I'll get my coat...

Firstly, he may well not have chickenpox. I've had three possible chicken poxes that turned out not to be. Second, I think its your wedding. I think if he's well enough to go he can go, but you have to make sure everyone coming knows. Anyone who is pregnant, TTC, or immunocompromised could find it hard and that can be more people than you realise! - so you'd need to put it out there. Buts it probably mainly your female friends who haven't had chicken pox and your elderly relatives who might be at risk - plus any younger kids coming. If you don't have many people coming in any of those groups (or at all), then it might not be such an issue. Third, you might not have the choice, anyway! - if he is really sick then he won't want to be anywhere other than bed. Its only if he's basically over it but not quite all crusted over that it might be an issue. Fourth, I know someone who had to cancel her wedding when she got appendicitis. She didn't have insurance. Most of the places were really understanding and she just rearranged it for a bit later on. So maybe that is an option, too.

bogey that's interesting, every so often they have each got a few spots and I have thought ooh is this it and then they have faded away! I am amazed they haven't had it so yes maybe they are immune and I will do the same re getting them tested and then if necessary vaccinated before high school.

I will have to pay I imagine but it will be worth it for peace of mind. In the meantime we are on spot watch....

He might be scanned over by then. Give him porridge baths everyday and if he's not miserable avoid paracetamol - some studies have shown that it prolongs them scabbing over. Good luck!

5madthings I got both my children tested via the nhs as they each had CP twice. I needed to know whether they were 'safe' in future or if I had to take extra precautions to keep them away from CP. the docs will test if there's a valid reason, ime.

5madthings

Yes we will have to pay too, but its worth it. I knew a 31 year old man who died when he caught it from his children, it was awful, so I figure the costs to remove (or at least lessen) the risk of that is worth it.

If you think it's ok to take him, just let your guests know.

It's your wedding, if i was a guest who wanted to avoid all possible risks (early pregnancy for example and not had cp before) i wouldn't begrudge you taking your own child to your wedding and would happily cancel my attendance.

Remember that not everyone gets chickenpox when young. And it is truly awful to get it for the first time as shingles as an adult. My poor sister had sores in her mouth, throat and genitals amongst other places.

She was bedridden and in agony for 3 months, missed her A Levels and had to resit the following year.

Please consider your guests, and get a babysitter!

And it is truly awful to get it for the first time as shingles as an adult

You dont get it first time as shingles. Shingles is a re-activation of the CP virus,.

It sounds like your sister had a nasty case of CP, because she is older as the older you are the worse it can be.

I just read your update OP. Good decision!

I'm happy to be corrected - this was 30 years ago and no doubt GPs didn't have the knowledge or understanding we have now.

will old people be attending? I know old person who said, yes bring baby to my x bday ( v old) I am sure I have had it, he had not had it and died. people of a certain age may not even remember if they have had it. I cant even remember if I have had it.

Not worth the risk.

My fit, healthy 40 year old dh contracted chicken pox. It was dreadful and the symptoms kept him off work for 3 weeks. No, he is not a "manflu" merchant. He gave it to my dd and she shrugged it off without too many problems.
We knew it was coming at some point because we knew dd would get it and he had never had it. Assumed it would be her first. Not him first.
I cannot overstate how horrid it was.
It's not just pregnant or elderly people you need to think about.

My ds was 1.5 when we got married and it was bad enough with him teething. If he's miserable with the chicken pox it would be best to have him at home and comfortable.
Both my ds had chickenpox before Christmas and ds 2 took it much worse than ds 1, it was horrific.