Quick! Invited for an egg hunt tomorrow- child there has chicken pox-DD is 14m-bad idea, right?

[winnybella]

DP took DD to MIL's for Easter to give me a bit of much needed break. It's lovely, I have to tell you, so quiet here...

Anyway, they were supposed to go to DP's old friend's for an egg hunt. DP just called me to say that they just told him that one of their kids has got a chicken pox.DP didn't ask at what stage of illness the kid is, but I'm guessing must be early if they are lettingpeople know so late.

So, I said I don't think they should go, as:

DD is just 14m and it's going to be hard to tell her to stop scratching herself, which could leave marks, and with an older kid hopefully you can reason more (maybe?)

I'm not looking forward to chicken pox in the house next week

I'm not really for intentionally allowing kids catch illnesses, as, even though chicken pox is usually v.mild etc, it's a bit like tempting fate and you may get more than you asked for iyswim

Am I right? We need to give answer quite quickly.

i wouldn't because of my experience

my DS had CP when he was one and he got it really badly - he was covered from head to foot and very itchy

let them get it, I had it as an adult and it is horrific

if all the spots/blisters are out and burst/crusted then it is no longer infectious

DD3 is 19months and has chicken pox just now - scratching has hardly been an issue for her - sleepsuits at that age are a godsend

i wouldn't

hmm difficult one
has your dc got any other problems like eczema?
If so I would avoid.

It's easier if they get them before the complications of being at school. 14mo is as good an age as any other.

Unless you were thinking about getting the jab, I would say go.

SO many replies, so quickly, thanks.

No, DD doesn't have eczema.

Also, my DS is coming from his dad's next Friday and he's never had it (he's 8). If she caught it tomorrow, she would be contagious next Friday, wouldn't she?

I had it at 18, it wasn't bad, except horrid blisters etc, but ok for temp etc.

But aren't there some possible complications from chicken pox?

I feel a bit weird to be intentionally exposing her to it, I don't know.

winny,

IME, there's a two week interval between sufferers.

If you DD does get it tomorrow, it will be two weeks before she can pass it on (give or take).

There are complications to chickenpox, but they are worse the older you are.

If you want to avoid any complication, there is a jab.

Right, so she could pass it on to DS, then.

So I would be exposing 8 yo DS to it.

Is that ok?

It depends what you mean by OK.

I mean it somehow feels wrong to make poor DS suffer from it. Hmmm.

I think I'll tell them not to go. She'll undoubtedly will have other opportunities of catching it as she'll be starting nursery in September.

I guess...hmmm...

I'd go she might not catch it anyway.

Ds1 had it when he was 8 months - covered in spots, but he coped quite well.

It's never a good time to have it.

having had it as an adult I wouldn't wish that on anyone

DD1 had it when she was 2.5 and DD2 just 6months only had a smattering - brilliant

DD3 has coped fairly well apart from her bottom which had nappy rash as well bless her

good luck with him not getting it when its going around once he starts nursery