How likely am I to get chickenpox ?

[MoonlightMistletoe]

Hello MN,

My toddler has caught chickenpox yesterday and now spots are appearing on my one year old this evening.

I've never had the virus before as a child,
how likely is it that I will catch it too?
I have heard it can be dangerous having it as an adult, has anyone else's children had it but you haven't and was ok?

You’re likely to be immune to it even if you don’t remember having symptoms of chicken pox, I think it’s something like 95% of adults are immune.

I haven't had chicken pox, both my DC have and I didn't catch it. Must be already immune!

It’s very possible that you had it in childhood - probably an extremely mild case that got missed. If you don’t catch it from your kids, then you’re almost certainly already immune.

I caught it from my toddler when I was pregnant. Both baby and I were fine. If you are a healthy adult you should be fine, although your symptoms may be more bothersome.
I had a test to see if I was immune before they would vaccinate me (only because I was pregnant and it can be dangerous for baby), but by the time the results came I already had it. They will only vaccinate if you're in a risk category and definitely not immune (they wouldn't take my word for it that I hadn't had CP before), although you could pay for it privately if you're really worried. But tbh, if you're going to get it, you've probably already picked it up by now.
Just ride it out.

Thank you all for your replies,

Hopefully I am already immune, I do have an auto immune disease and have been flaring recently so hopefully I'm already in fight mode!

Would I have spots by now if my sons developed on Monday? I'm presuming he caught It from nursery.

I caught it off my DD when I was 40 - so don't assume you are immune!

Look out for symptoms appearing and if you get any spots, get to GP immediately and they will give you antivirals. They are most effective if taken within 24 hours of first spot. I took them and it did stop the virus getting any worse and I had it very mildly. Don't know what might have happened/how it would have panned out without them obviously!

It’s normally two weeks for it to appear after exposure.
My Hubbie has never had it and our kids have had it and not passed it on
It’s a difficult one!

Would I have spots by now if my sons developed on Monday? I'm presuming he caught It from nursery.

No unless you were exposed at the same he was. Otherwise it’s usually 10-14 days for the runny nose followed by spots to arrive.

Why don’t you get vaccinated tomorrow? Still time and at worst you will have a milder dose.

I had CP as a child, caught it again at 45 from DD (6)

Ended up in hospital, very poorly (sorry)

The virus lies dormant in your spine and it is not true that you are immune if you have had it, it can be reactivated. It is always there.

Must add I was highly stressed and run down at the time though.

EG I haven't smoked since. It was the motivator.

Take care of yourself. Lots of Vit C.

@BillieEilish so sorry to hear that I hope you are now well!

I have developed a cold no other symptoms so hoping it's just a common cold and not the virus.

My youngest son is very unhappy not sleeping, runny (sorry) green nose and when he breaths in deeply while crying he sounds hoarse. Also hasn't wanted his milk in a good few days now so looks like a doctors trip for him if things get worse.

I thought I was immune until I caught it at 21. A hideous experience I never want to repeat and wouldn't wish on anyone.

There is a test you can do to check for immunity - you may need to pay for it though? If you are then you could get the vaccine.