Chicken Pox..... DD has DS doesn't

[ChuckNovice]

DD 18 months has had chicken pox since Sunday. I think it's chicken pox anyway, loads of spots around nappy area, a few spots on tummy, chest and back and lots on hairline and scalp. It's been fairly mild as she hasn't been unwell at all just a bit restless in the night.

Anyway DS 3 has never had it and doesn't appear to be showing signs of it. He's missed nursery this week because I couldn't have taken him without taking DD in too which I couldn't have done.

But can I take him in tomorrow knowing he might get it soon? DH is here so can watch DD. I know it's risky taking him in knowing he might get it soon but how long do I keep him off for, what if he doesn't get it this time? Also, DD's spots are starting to scab up. What do people think?

It can take up to 3 weeks after exposure to chicken pox, to come out in a rash. The contagious period is actually before the spots appear and up until they are crusted over. I would probably assume that your son is going to get chicken pox, and is currently contagious. Don't send him into school this week - he'll just spread it around if he does have it. You can catch chicken pox from a little as being in the same room as an infected person for 15 minutes.

I wouldn't keep him off for 3 weeks just in case he might get chicken pox! If he is well, send him in but just be on the lookout and keep him off if he gets a cold in case that is the start of it. We are in a similar situation at the moment, think dd might have it but she isn't sick at all and doesn't have that many spots so not too sure. Not going to keep Ds off in case he might get chicken pox which dd may or may not have. I will let the nursery know about dd though as I have taken her to pick Ds up the past couple of days as I had no clue that she was brewing anything

Oh and you are only contagious a day or two before the spots come out

I would send him up until he shows signs of chicken pox. I wouldnt keep him off 'just in case' as he may not even get it. The infectious period is 1-2 days before the spots come out and until they crust over