Child exposed to chicken pox, do I inform other family?

[confusedpixie]

The charge in one of my jobs had a playdate last week. The day after her friend came down with pox. Obviously it takes a few days to incubate and become infectious etc so should I tell the other family I work for? I feel like I should but I'm not sure if I'm overthinking and being overcautious as my charge hasn't come down with them herself.

More of a WWYD/would you like to be told really!

I have had pox as a child as well, so it's likely I wouldn't get them but I thought I could still be a carrier for them, is that right?

Yes, definitely.

They may be in contact with someone who they need to protect eg. someone who has been undergoing cancer treatment, or a pregnant woman.

Okay, just trying to word it without coming across as silly now.

How does this sound?
Hi Mumboss, just found out that child in other job has been exposed to chicken pox. Not come down with them herself just yet but wanted to double check the kids have had it and if you're fine with me coming in as usual?

yes, that sounds good.

That way she makes the decision herself.

Oh, just re-read. The children from each job are not in contact with each other, are they? Is it two separate jobs?

So you would be the 'carrier'? Not sure that is possible, but maybe someone else will know better.

They are not in contact no, I work two days with one faily and two with the other, so I would be have to be a carrier. That's why I'm not sure, as we don't know whether LO in job1 has it or not, I have had it before but obviously there is a possibility of having it again and I'm not 100% sure is chicken pox can be 'carried' by an adult to a child anyway?!

I'm confused and general internet information isn't helping!

Your user name is good for htis thread ;)

Now I am confused too.

I think that the risk is very small in that case, but maybe someone will be along to bring clarity.

Haha, my username sums up my life most of the time I always get these weird conundrums!

To me my text looks like it's me trying to get out of work, which it really isn't but I can't think of a straightforward way to say it otherwise!

'Hi. Just found out that the child of the other family I work for has been exposed to chicken pox. Am trying to find out if I could be a carrier, so as not to expose your DC. Would it be a problem for you if I am?'

could be a way of expressing that your worry is for their DC rather than you trying to get out of work.

I think I would say that child x from your job #1has been exposed and you are hoping it doesn't ruin the holidays. Just in a chatty way next time you are at job #2. Then mum can think on it without you making any suggestions. This way you have informed her, but not been either over or under cautious.

Getting it more than once is rare but might happen

I would tell her that the chance of you passing it on is very remote but you want to let her know just in case.

If you did pass it on, and she was unable to go on holiday, or endangered an ill relative, then she would be v cross with you.

drink: But if I wait until I'm next there I put her in a position of turning me away at the door (if it is MBoss doing handover on Thursday morning) and screwing things over on the day if she doesn't want me about and with no childcare for the day.

Now I'm overthinking it I think

That's my concern Optimist, that they may have relatives who are susceptible, even if the chance of my carrying it is very slim.

I text her a variation of the first message in the end and she's asked me to bring it with me on Thursday One of the three hasn't had it yet. All the silly worrying for nothing!

oh, cool. At least you warned her then.