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Original poster

Question re. chickenpox

12 replies

arabella2 · 07/05/2004 08:39

Hi
My ds was in contact with a little girl who got chickenpox (the spots) the next day so it is likely/possible that he will get it as well after the incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks (he saw her a week ago). My question is: is he contagious during this incubation period or is it okay to see other kids during this time???
Thanks

OP posts:
Toothache · 07/05/2004 08:50

Hi Arabella2 - I just checked the NHS Direct webswite and here's afew points that I thought useful.... and I didn't know either:

  1. Children show spots 7-21 days after exposure

2)Traditionally, chickenpox was thought to be infectious until all the spots had burst and scabbed over. However, scientists now claim that there has never been a reported case of infection later than 5 days after the rash has appeared.

So it seems that you are infectious for almost the entire time from exposure to the spots clearing up. It's spread by sneezng, coughing etc etc and obviously by contact with the spots once they appear.

I'm really surprised at how many people are reporting outbreaks of Chicken Pox just now! It's really doing the rounds isn't it??!

Original poster
arabella2 · 07/05/2004 08:52

so does that mean that you are infectious before the spots have appeared?

OP posts:
juniper68 · 07/05/2004 08:54

As far as I know you are. It's doing the rounds in our town too, my friends newborn dd has it

juniper68 · 07/05/2004 08:56

Adding to that, I wouldn't avoid contact myself as he may not have it or be carrying it. It's only pregnant women and maybe people with weak immune systems you should avoid.
If in doubt ring/email NHS direct or ring your surgery and ask to speak to someone

Toothache · 07/05/2004 08:58

Looks like it Arabella2. Seems theres an epidemic!

Juniper68 - Is it quite serious in a newborn? The GP told me that in pregnancy they only really worry in early pregnancy where it can effect development....and in very late pregnancy when the baby can be born infected. Poor wee mite, hoped the baby is over it soon. Apparently it lasts 2wks from start to finish.

GeorginaA · 07/05/2004 11:08

Yep, you are infectious before the spots appear but I've had conflicting advice as to how long before. Most infectious 24hrs before the spots appear, but I have seen places which say you can be infectious up to 5 days before.

However, I think you'd be surprised how many mums actually want their child to have chickenpox. So, personally I'd suggest avoiding all pregnant women/weak immune system people and warn parents of the children you're visiting so they have the option of avoidance if they're not happy about it.

GeorginaA · 07/05/2004 11:09

Oh, it can also be a serious infection for babies under 7 days old - so avoid them too.

Original poster
arabella2 · 07/05/2004 14:36

Thanks - that's what I'll do - warn people and let them make their minds up. I really hope he doesn't get it though because I have no idea how you look after a 7 week old (ds's little sister) and an ill 2 year old !

OP posts:
GeorginaA · 07/05/2004 15:09

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. My ds actually had 2 or 3 exposures before he finally caught the pox (tremendous timing, right towards the end of my pregnancy, but that's another horror story ) so it's not a certainty he'll catch it.

On the other hand, if he does get it, then at least you won't have to worry in the future - you'll know he'll have the antibodies. My ds had a fair amount of spots (3 years old) and was horribly grumpy and unwell for about 4 days, but after that was perfectly happy in himself. So, although those first few days were tough, it wasn't quite as bad as I dreaded.

magnum · 07/05/2004 16:22

My dd was in contact with another baby with chicken pox about 3 weeks ago. They were toy sharing so I really thought she would have caught it. She has had one spot with a head come up on her cheek about 3 days ago and has had a nasty cough and the runs. Could this be caused by chicken pox?

Slinky · 07/05/2004 20:51

DD2 (4) has suspected chicken pox (I think!). They've had a major outbreak at nursery (biggest the nursery has known for a long time) and I've been hoping that she would pick it up. All last week I was telling her to go round kissing everyone.

Last couple of days she has been SOOO whingy/miserable and crying at the drop of a hat. Yesterday, she complained of a headache and had a slight spot near her nose. This morning, she had a spot on her back and side.

She's in bed now - can't wait to see what she looks like tomorrow

DD1 had a bad case of CP when she was 2 which she passed onto DS1 who was just 3 weeks old!!! He only got 3 spots and GP said as I was breastfeeding, it was very mild he may get it again.

Having said that, he did contract shingles at 20 months (when I was 7 months pregnant) so I assume that he must have contracted a strong dose of the Chicken Pox virus when he was a baby for him to then develop shingles.

And Georgina's right - since finding out about DD2, lots of people at school want to mix DD2 with their children.

stace · 08/05/2004 08:05

hi arabella2, just wanted to add, dont panic my ds(4) just finished cp has only been back at school for since tuesday and i am heavily 6 months pregnant. I was worried at how i would cope and have to say that although he was pretty much covered we just had 1 bad night of high temperature and 2 other nights of not so bad. He was a little wingy but no more than if he had had a bad cold. He did stop eating for 2-3 days because the spots in his mouth hurt and i found that cold soft food was all he would tolerate.

Dont panic if he gets it, it might pass really easily for you!!!

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