Oh help!!

[AlfieB1]

Hello, I had been worried about a possible beach exposure to varicella 3 weeks ago. I was worried because I rather hoped for him to get it later. He seems to have missed getting it (fingers crossed-today is day 21 post expisure). However, I started a experiencing odd symptoms around 2 weeks after "exposure". I had a mild dose of varicella around 2 or 3 but never caught it a second time in the 28 years since. I noticed about 10-12 pimply spots on my back. They don't look like classic chicken pox and have been unchanged overnight. Could I have varicella again? I've been cosleeping with my son all week and we are never apart. We literally spend all of our time together and haven't even been outside much. I've always heard that household contacts will get a horrible dose. I'm very worried about that. Are there any examples of siblings in everyday ALL day contact that didn't get dreadful doses??? Is there a chance that I'm not experiencing a second bout? Is there a way to rule out chicken pox by the appearance of the spots? Should they crust over in a certain amount of time?Thank you very kindly. I will hate myself if I'm the one to give this awful virus to me Little boy:(

My sister had it twice, the second time was horrible and I had to look after her. Didn't catch it from her so there is hope.

Thanks. That really helps. Did you have it already when you took care of her? I managed most of my life without getting it another time so I pray that this is not that.

Alfie I've seen your other post on this, do you have general health anxiety? I know chicken pox can be severe but your reaction to your child potentially having it seems rather extreme.

I guess you could say I'm falling for the varicella fear mongering. It sounds like it can be very serious especially when passed along from a household member. I was hoping to get a general idea about the transmission as the NHS does not align with what some others have rxoerinced. Apologies if it translates as annoying. I do have anxiety due to some disturbing papers written about the dangers :/

Not annoying, I was just concerned. Yes it can be serious, but in the vast majority of cases it's a few days of illness and then it's done. There's no point worrying, if he has it he has it and you can deal with it as it comes. Fingers crossed he's managed to avoid it.

I agree your reaction seems overanxious. There's no truth that catching from a family member makes for a worse case. There is no point fretting unless you are pregnant, in which case see your GP.

If your son gets cp then he will get over it like 99% of children do. Please don't worry.

Everything can have complications, even the common cold. However most of the time it's just a bit inconvenient and uncomfortable but it's short lived.

My Dd was 14 months when she caught chickenpox from ds (4) and was hugging and kissing him etc when he had them so definitely prolonged contact and she had a full on dose in that she was covered in spots but she was fine, just itchy and a bit hot.

Also my siblings and I all had chickenpox at different times and didn't catch it from each other.

I think I read that there's an90% chance of infection but I haven't found that to be true. Ds was exposed about 3 times before he got them and then we didn't know who from! (That sounds like I was deliberately exposing him, I definitely wasn't!)

Stop scaring yourself. You know there CAN be complications so you're 'on the ball' should anything happen but the likelihood is that if he does catch them he will be itchy and uncomfortable and maybe a bit unwell for a few days and then he will get better. Even if he does get an infected spot or a chest infection or whatever then you call the GP and they prescribe as appropriate.

Now actively put these thoughts out of your head as they pop up.

My DS was 8 weeks old when he caught chicken pox. At the time I lived with my mum and younger brother. My brother has still never had chicken pox. He's 13 now.

I caught chicken pox from my older brother. I passed them on to my other younger brother. It's usually what happens, but not always.

I know easier said than done when you have anxiety, but don't stress it.