Chicken pox: Can you "carry" the virus?

[ChickenInABasket]

DS came out in Chicken pox in the night. Assuming he's feeling OK, I'd like my Mum to look after him for a few hours so I can go to uni! She's had chicken pox before.

Problem is, Mum also looks after my 9 month old niece and I'd hate for niece to get the pox. Could Mum "carry" the virus and pass it on to niece?

Thanks x

No, unless your ds is in direct contact with the baby, then your mother cannot pass it on.

Thanks Belgo, that's good to know.

Also, just had a thought, could mum get chicken pox for the second time or shingles

you cant get shingles from chicken pox but can get chicken pox from shingles. In theory your mum should be immune to chicken pox if she had it before.

If she is run down she can develop shingles if she has previously had chicken pox. i don't think she can catch chicken pox or shingles again, maybe that is possible, but unusual. I wouldn't worry if I were you, if your mum is happy to babysit, then let her.

Thank you ladies! Mum noe said she doesn't know if she's had chicken pox before or not so maybe best she doesn't come round!

If she's had chicken pox before she should be immune. You can't catch shingles. Shingles is the same virus as chicken pox which lies dormant in the body of someone who has previously had chicken pox and comes out if the person is run down rather like a cold sore would. You can catch chicken pox directly from a shingles blister but not the other way round. Some people say you can get chicken pox twice so there is a risk of getting it again if she had it mildly before but if she has had shingles as well I reckon she'd definately be immune.

Sorry just seen your other post. In that case keep her away!

Thank you all very much