Should I have said no to looking after chicken-poxy children?

[IHeartKingThistle]

My DC have both had it. But I've just read you can get it twice! DS (3) has eczema and I really really don't want him to get it again. He'll be here the whole time.

Any way I can minimise the chances?

They're arriving in an hour

Did he have it before he was a year old? I think that can increase the chances of getting it again. Otherwise it's pretty unlikely.

He was 17 months IIRC. Didn't have it too badly though - I read that if they get it again it can be much worse.

(noblegiraffe, you're the teacher who talks sense aren't you?)

How have you ended up looking after them? Is there no other option? How long will it be for?

I was asked months ago, genuine reason, too late to get out of it. Got them until after tea!

they wont get it again. Its really really unlikely. looking after them will be fine

i have had chicken pox four times!

Oh man, can I pretend Coconuts didn't just post that?

my kids (5 & 1.5) haven't had it yet... im not looking forward to when they do. i really don't want it again.

DS1 had it twice, first time it was only about 5 spots though so they think he didn't have enough of it to build up immunity. Second time round he looked like a join-the-dots puzzle!

Are the kids still infectious? If all the spots have scabbed over/dried out then they shouldn't be.

I wouldn't take chicken poxy kids unless it was an emergency though, even though all my 3 (and I) have had it, because they might be feeling ill and need a lot of looking after.

Came down with it Fri\Sat I think. So probably still infectious, yes.

I'm an idiot.

I am a teacher, yes!

I'm sure they'll be fine. My brother never got chicken pox even after my mum put him in bed with me when I had it to try and get it over and done with. So if they're immune (and they most likely are), they're not going to get it however infectious the other kids are.

Mine both had CP under one, approx 8-9 months old.

They got it again, properly, 3yrs later.

I think you need to cancel or if it's something vital (I had to look after friends kids with diarrehoa cos she had an exam) separate the kids and disinfect a lot. You can't take them out in case of pregnant/vulnerable people.
Chicken pox can be fatal n rare cases-my dh nearly died of it-think it was menigitis because of it or something.

You're not an idiot, you're being a good friend. Presumably mum wouldn't bring them over if they were badly ill and needing special care Your DS had CP when he was old enough to have a proper immune system and presumably isn't immuno-compromised at the moment, there's no reason to expect he'd catch it again. Shove a DVD on and make them some popcorn.

They're already here so can't cancel (it is an exam). Already arranged for someone to walk DD home so I don't have to take them on the school run.

They're all playing in the garden. Have told DS not to touch them (as tactfully as I could!) but you know how 3 year olds play! I'm going to be worrying for 3 weeks now aren't I?

Will clean when they've gone.

If they have open (and I think they will) I'd segregate them. Can you do a sympathetic snug for them - To rest up in and have plenty of juice. Have your DC watch a favorite film etc in another room so they're less tempted to go and visit.

Wash any sheets/blankets that contact the spots on a hot wash afterwards. Put blankets/sheets on any sofas they sit on (for comfort).

I've had it twice

Sorry x posted - thanks LadyIsabella.

elfy the problem is they're not particularly ill with it - currently on the trampoline! If they would sit still I could keep them more separate.

I've said DS can't go on with them. He's crying. It's going to be a long afternoon...

Chicken pox is spread in the same way as a cold - through droplets from the nose or mouth. It is much more likely than not that your DS did make sufficient antibodies the first time round so the odds are on your side.

To minimise the risk, make sure they don't share cups/straws with DS and when they have gone wash his face and hands, just in case.

OK, that's reassuring, thankyou.

They are leaping around like mad things.

Dd had pox before a year of age and it has been doing the rounds at her school this spring. She did not get a second dose, although she did develop a mild episode of shingles - possibly unrelated, as you can't catch shingles....

Ps I have apparently (according to my mum) never had chickenpox but I am immune....