Chicken Pox - adults

[user1465146157]

I've never had chicken pox. They asked me when I was pregnant and then did a test as I was sure I hadn't.

I'm now worried about catching it when my baby does.

Has anyone else heard of adults never having it? I remember my younger brother having it when we were little, and also kids at school catching it. I'm not sure why I didn't.

Dbro did, it was quite nasty. Surely they would have said if you weren't immune when pg.

For what it's worth, there are always people who don't catch things, are naturally immune or have had these diseases without any symptoms.

My grandmother had this with measles: she didn't get it when she was small or when my father got it as a child, and she was really scared she would when I got it when she was around 66. She never did and we were close so for all intents and purposes she should have caught it as it's extremely infectious (more than chicken pox).

Ask what the result of that test was in the end. It's always interesting to know.

I've had a bit of a stress about chicken pox lately too. Ive never had any outward signs of it and am now 32 years old and 41 weeks pregnant. I'm also the eldest of 5 siblings and lots of cousins who have all had it.

My toddler and I came into contact with chicken pox recently so I got the blood test which showed I was already immune luckily. Toddler DD has had the vaccine for it now anyway so shouldn't ever catch it.

My DH 27 year old cousin just caught it from his DD. It was pretty awful for him but not too bad, no infections or hospital needed.

The doctor told me there's antiviral medication they can give you during pregnancy if you are not immune and have been exposed to the virus. After pregnancy you could also pay for the vaccine.

Thanks - yes the test said I definitely had it as a child.

I know it becomes shingles if you are older and thats horrible.

But interesting about your grandmother - i wondered if I had some strange immunity to it, but the doctor said it wasnt possible.

Weird though I think i've been in environments where I should have caught it

ems137 thanks - is there a vaccine to have against it as an adult?

the test i had when pregnant said I defo hadn't had it but wasnt immune...

Anyone can have the vaccine but you have to pay privately if there's no medical reason. Just google it, and private clinics near you. You have 1 shot and then 4-8 weeks later you go back for a booster then that's it.

Think it's called varicella vaccine and it cost £100 for both shots for DD. Worth every penny IMO

Oh and I was told it's a myth that it becomes shingles when you're older. The doctor told me chicken pox and shingles are 2 separate issues.

I think sometimes your immunity wears off a little with age and because the virus is permanently in your system, it can resurface once that immunity breaks down.

I feel like an expert with all the stress I've been through lately with chicken pox and inconsiderate idiots! I was terrified I would catch it and have it whilst giving birth, possibly harming my newborn baby seriously.

We vaccinated DH privately, as he couldn't remember having it and we don't trust his mother to tell the truth. We can't afford for him to have weeks off work. It wasn't any bother - just went along to the local travel clinic that does private immunisations. Cost £60 per shot and we needed two shots.

thanks both - and there's definitely no side effects with the vaccine? i.e it doesnt GIVE you chicken pox does it?!

ems137 sorry you've been so stressed - you are nearly there now so don't worry!

DD was a little hot the next day after the first shot but had the 2nd shot on Monday and has been normal.

It is a live vaccine which is why pregnant women can't have it but the side effects are just a possible temperature and soreness around the site.

I'd get it if I were you, just for piece of mind x

Funnily enough, DH has reacted very badly to flu vaccines in the past, but was fine with this one.