Dreaded chicken pox

[monkeypie]

Anyone know how long you are contagious for after spots appear? DS has just got the spots this afternoon. I have seen so many different answers, some say once spots have come it's ok, others say not till they scab...help anyone!!??

5-6 days after the spots start to scab. Personally think it is a bit longer. DS has just had it and DD has it now

At least 5 days but policy at nursery etc may vary

Get plenty of aqueous cream with calamine and porridge oats in a sock and then into the bath water will ease the itching

Really? We were going to London for the day tomorrow to visit friends. Don't need to worry about nursery he doesn't start for another 6 weeks, good and bad timing i guess!! KIDS!

Old version of advice: Until all spots have completely scabbed over
New version of advice: At least five days after spots first appear

There is a substantial body of anecdotal evidence that the new advice isn't strict enough, and many GPs go along with that too.

I have got it feel really rough as they are in my throat, ear and gums aswell as my scalp and face etc...here was me thinking I was immune when ds had them last year? Boo hoo

Some viruses are not contagious once the rash appears. Chicken Pox IS contageous until all the spots have crusted over. They usually seem to feel the worst around days 2-4.