my toddler has chickenpox...can I take him out!?

[geologygirl]

I have a good reason. Ive run out of growing up milk and he wont drink real milk. Can I nip over with him in the buggy to the nearby chemist? He is into day 2 of spots so contagious. ..but dont know what to do. Im a lone parent and all family working. He is a bit itchy but no other symptoms and in good spirits.

Is it ok to take him??? Or am I putting the public at risk??

[geologygirl]

Crash - it was essential for me to meet my son's needs, particularly when he is unwell and in need of comfort. If I had to get on the bus or travel up the road I would not have gone. I made plans with the pharmacist and it really was last resort after trying to ask family. I saw noone as I dashed him across the road in the buggy...only the pharmacist who knew I had a toddler with CP. And he actually told me I could come into the shop but I declined and simply grabbed the bag and handed over my cash. I dont and will not feel bad about it...

[crashdoll]

geology I do understand you felt it was essential. He needed comfort and you gave it to him. You are his mother and I imagine you'd walk to the ends of the earth for him. So,I do understand that and I'm sorry your son is poorly and you didn't have any support. But please understand how frightening it is for someone whose child takes big risks every time they go out. The risk you took was very small but it was still a risk to someone or someone's child. I just want people to realise that and how scary it is and the consequences are much more scary than a child not having milk for comfort. Although, I know your priority is your child. And I genuinely hope he perks up soon, I remember having chicken pox as a child and it's bloody miserable.

[NorthernLurker]

There is NO additional risk from her taking her child outside. I am familiar with NHS guidance thanks. It says you should keep a child at home from school or nursery. It doesn't mean you shouldn't go outside at all.

[crashdoll]

Northern - are you a specialist in infectious diseases or similar? I have been told there is risk by specialist medical professionals.

[NorthernLurker]

Did they also tell you to berate single parents making brief excursions out of doors?

There is no way any medical professional has told you that you will contract chicken pox from anything other than close contact.

Possibly shops, certainly theatres and cinemas, nurseries, schools, buses and trains for sure are areas to worry about. Child in street in passing contact is not an issue.

[crashdoll]

Did you read my posts? I was perfectly polite before people starting wading in with their unfounded opinions. I said there was some risk. I didn't say there was high risk. I didn't berate single parents, nice way to say "single" parents as if I'm discriminating. Christ alive!

[crashdoll]

Also, if you've seen the many previous threads on this topic, you will see I am not the only one who feels this way.

[PoppyWearer]

Don't feel bad, OP.

My own DFather has a suppressed immune system and I still think what you did was fine.

I had no choice but to do the school run with DS with chickenpox. All I could do was to minimise the risk to others as much as possible.

[OutragedFromLeeds]

I think what you did was fine OP.

What Jinty said a few posts is is exactly what I would have done. The risk to anyone else would be miniscule.

[narmada]

Taking a child with CP outside or not.... it's always a topic that kicks off on MN, and for good reason.

OP, hope your little fella is better soon. Piriton is the stuff of wonder.

Many people are not at all aware of how dangerous CP can be for immunocompromised people, and don't act out of malice, but out of ignorance. I really think it would be helpful to have more public information campaigns about this sort of thing.

[PreciousPuddleduck]

I think what you did was reasonable OP & I would do the same. Hope your little man is better soon X

[girliefriend]

I am a single parent so can really sympathise, my dd was about 14 months when she got cp and the worst part of it was not being able to get out - i was nearly climbing the walls!!!

What you did sounds sensible to me, I know someone else who left their 7yo at home alone when she had cp to get some shopping

[OutragedFromLeeds]

'I know someone else who left their 7yo at home alone when she had cp to get some shopping'

That's another topic that gets heated on mumsnet

[geologygirl]

Yes I realise it was just milk but he has it before bed and helps relax him. He didn't have any lastnight and was very upset...I didn't want that for him tonight. He needed comfort and milk was required! Risks to the public very small in my case...

I wouldnt have dreamt of popping to Tesco though!

[NorthernLurker]

'their unfounded opinions' - but they aren't unfounded. The opinion that the OP's reaction was reasonable is based on knowledge of how CP is infectious and on the precautions she was taking. What was unfounded was to tell her she shouldn't set foot out of doors.

[QOD]

Have you given him some anti histamine? That helps with the itching.
It's a horrible illness, even a minor case is miserable