To not keep poxy child in isolation

[FromCuddleLand]

Hello! We are on half term this week. Every year we take our DC to London for a few days to do the sites. This is the first year that we have planed to take the youngest. He is mega excited. We've booked the hotel (2 rooms, non refundable) and purchased tickets for one of the venues in advance.
Last night I noticed youngest was starting to look a bit spotty. Today he is pretty pickled and it is obvious it is chicken pox. He is ok in himself, cheery and bouncing around. I know that he would not be allowed in school but do I really have to not take him anywhere? (as far as I understand you are contagious before the spots show anyway). I really really don't want to cancel our trip. Am I being an arsehole or is it ok to take him? (most things were going to are outdoors). BTW have NC for this but have been on here since 2011.

To stay.
Ugh

Wolfiefan have you met my child? (kidding). Just because this is AIBU you don't have to have a total lack of humour failure. I'm self-employed with a deadline and Dh wil be away with our other children. I defy anyone to have a great time with that combination. But you obviously are a #blessed #making memories type of parent?

Honestly, it would be one thing going to outdoor places with little/no contact with others (I took mine for a walk in the local park at quiet times with pox) but busy indoor venues? YABU.

Also give it a few days, little one might be ok now but will likely be at best tired and uncomfy, at worst really bloody unwell, either way not up to trekking round sightseeing.

You're willing to risk killing someone, so your kid can "see the sites"?

Yeah, you know you 'namechanged' for a reason.

@Josephinebettany - Chickenpox is infectious from 2 days before the spots appear to until they have crusted over, usually 5 days after they first appeared.

From the NHS website.

Ffs.

Friends of ours were trapped in an airport hotel in Portugal as couldn’t fly due to cp so could be worse. Agree timing is annoying but you can’t take him to public places like a theatre

Well, this is fun. Anyone else want a shot? (bearing in mind I'm not arguing against what any of you have said). It's been ages since I've had so many insults in one go.

You may be self employed but you have the time off because you were planning to be in London so no reason you can't look after him normally

I think the OP gets it and I understand how disappointing it is. Not much you can do before the spots appear, but now you know you need stay at home until the spots are crusted over.

No need for all the nastiness - she asked a question and took on board the answers. And I do know how dangerous it can be as my husband has leukaemia.

Halloween crafts, baking and lots of TV time!

Actually, I was taking the work with me for a couple of hours each evening Josephine. My deadlines always bloody coincide with holidays.

@bookwormsforever
Yes. 5 days after they appear. That is exactly what I said. Ffs to you too.

The chicken pox years are undeniably shit we’ve all been there. One child gets it then the other so 2 weeks in quarantine. It’s pretty hideous but one of those things

Don't be that dick

When was the trip booked for OP?

Oh come on, op! You posted asking if you’d be an arsehole to take your infectious dc out in busy places in London. Lots of people said you would be an arsehole. Now you say you knew you’d be an arsehole, but you thought you’d just ask, and you’re fed up of being called an arsehole??

Well. There is a solution to that...

As someone on chemotherapy and currently with a below normal white blood cell and neutrophil count - I'd potentially be very very ill (hospitalised most likely) by coming into passing contact with a poxy child out before the scabs are crusted over. Yes YABU.

Said child will still sleep in the evenings no?

Gutted for you OP but you really can't take them.

MsTSwift the ironic thing is, is that he is the only one not to have had it. The others got it before he was born. I've exposed him to it so many times I've lost count. I was actually beginning to think he was naturally immune, or had had it really, really mildly in the past and I'd not noticed. Oh well.

Can you rebook OP or speak to hotel and tell them circ's, as well as booked venue? Or do you have an annual travel policy through your credit card or similar? Such a shame re timing. Lots of carpet picnics, DVDs and drives in the car to keep you all sane...

bookwormsforever I'm sure your a lovely person when speaking face to face with people., you keyboard charmer you!

you're

YABU also because it would be quite inconsiderate to your child. He might be ok now but he's likely to feel shit at some point too. He needs to rest and recover, not be dragged around one of the busiest cities in the world.

I understand the disappointment, and you have the right to be disappointed, I'd be gutted. But you really do need to accept it and stay home, both for other people's safety and your son's comfort.

Right, well, I'm off to self flagellate before bed and atone for even thinking the thought. Night night vipers.

I’m biased as I got chicken pox when 16 weeks pregnant

We paid £140 for the chicken pox vaccine because of selfish people like you.

My child contracting chicken pox would cost me 5 days wages + 5 days childcare, at least.

Luckily, we could afford the vaccine. But you can't get it before they're 1, so until then we had to hope and pray.

I also know someone who got very sick from childhood chicken pox and has life changing disabilities from it. And another who is badly scarred on her face from it.