Ibuprofen and possible chicken pox

[nye23]

DD2 has been under the weather all day with high temperatures. Normally I'd give Nurofen as it tends to be more effective than Calpol (for my kids anyway) but I've been holding off because there's been a case of chicken pox in her class at nursery this week so I'm worried she's coming down with it too, and I know ibuprofen is a no-no for CP.

Now she's maxed out on Calpol and her temp is starting to go up again so I'm thinking of giving Nurofen after all. She doesn't have any spots so it really could be any virus, I wouldn't even have thought of chicken pox if it wasn't for the case in her class.

My question is, given that there's no proof she has CP is it better to focus on keeping her temp down (with Nurofen) or not risk it in case it is CP?

You are right that it could be any virus, but that also means it could be chickenpox, and the chance is higher when a child in her group has it , so I would avoid giving Neurofen. Keep dressing her in light layers of clothing , and give frequent sips of water or cool drinks or ice cream.

I would give nurofen. I read ibuprofen shouldn't be given with chicken pox as it can make the spots go deeper and get infected so if there's no spots this can't happen. The ibuprofen will wear off within 6 hours so just check no spots before giving it. Good luck.

Plus the incubation period for chicken pox is 10-21 days so it's unlikely to be that if only possibly exposed this week.

If there’s no spots it’s absolutely fine to give nurofen.

However - if you’re just treating the fever the absolute best thing you can do is just let it run its course. A high fever is actually beneficial as it will kill the virus/bacteria much quicker than if you’re constantly keeping the temp low. You end up elongating the time it takes for the body to kill off whatever the problem is. Because the temperature is the body’s absolute best defence.

Obviously if she’s in obvious pain, then treat for that. But febrile seizures (which most parents worry about when their children have a temp) is due to how quickly the temperature rises not the actual temperature itself.

Nurofen contains ibuprofen.

Thanks all, really interesting responses. She actually fell asleep not long after I posted and I've just checked her temp and it's normal! So obviously I won't be waking her up to give Nurofen.

Does anyone know how long the spots take to develop after they first become poorly? Ie if she continues to be spot-free when can I start to assume it's not CP?

Yes @NameChange14192089 I was using 'Nurofen' and 'ibuprofen' interchangeably and I think the other poster was too.

I thought I'd say just in case, I've known people who didn't realise. I hope your DD feels better soon. They say the spots can take 2-4 days to appear.

When Dd got it she was flu-ey for about 3 days, then absolutely fine. Then about 2 days later as we were going out the door for the school run said her back was itchy, and when I looked the poor kiddo was covered in spots!

She was off school with them for a week I think. Also - if your Dd does get spots the virasoothe gel spray is a godsend. Really stopped the itching.

Thank you, you're all very kind. I really hope it's not CP, I still remember how miserable I was when I had it 30 years ago!

If it turns out not to be consider getting her vaccinated if you can afford it. It saves all the worry and stress

Yes, definitely. I've literally just said to DH 'if we make it through this we're getting them both vaccinated at the first opportunity!' (I also have a DS4 who hasn't had it yet so we could be in for a very long couple of weeks)