Going into work if child has chickenpox

[RoeDeer86]

DS, 6, has just come down with chickenpox. He’s well in himself, just a bit spotty. Obviously keeping him off school and my mum is stepping in to care for him whilst I work this week.

I’m due in the office two days this week and have a lot to do. I’ve had chickenpox before and I’m healthy and not showing symptoms. NHS guidance says it’s fine to go to work in such circumstances. What would other people do? One boss seems fine with the plan and the other is worried about me spreading it. Many thanks

Is it a risk to anyone who might be pregnant?

Go in. My family has been plagued by it this week. As soon as the spots start to scab they can go back to school anyway

Have you previously had chicken pox?
What's the affect on your work if you work from home?

Unless you show symptoms overnight I would go in.

If you don’t have chicken pox I don’t see what the issue is? I went to work when my kids had CP

I would let your work know and ask them if there is anyone who would be vulnerable if you come in. I would be fine, but if I carried it to my sister it could kill her.

Thanks everyone. I had it as a child and not showing any symptoms from my son having it (and feel well/healthy).

There is one person who is pregnant (that I know of) and I checked with her if she’s in and she isn’t (and she’s happy with me going in those two days) as she’s one of my bosses

How many men stay off work when their kids have chickenpox and mum is caring for them? I’d guess… around about none.

You can’t carry it surely? You’ll be immune to it.

If you've had it before you won't catch it so you can't be infectious. There's no reason for you to not go to work.

You're not going to take it in on your clothes OP. You've had it, you're unlikely to catch it again.

Thanks everyone, it’s just made me super paranoid for some reason! It’s really tricky to work from home when DS is here (even though my mum has him).

@Drdogooder you make a very good point!

I take it your mum has had chicken pox.

@TryingMyBestEveryDay Yep

Just to say, I've had it twice and it's not that unusual but I think you're fair enough by checking first for pregnant or vulnerable staff.

Parents of children with chicken pox are not expected to stay away. Most people only have 1 parent stay at home and the other goes to work. Same logic applies here.

If you’ve had CP you’re more than likely immune - let the ball be in their court. From you POV I’d go in.
i Was exposed when pregnant - I thought I’d had it extremely mildly as a baby - the GP rushed through a blood test and I was indeed immune.

I was working at a specialist tertiary children's hospital with very immunocompromised children when DS got chicken pox and also when ex-DH had shingles. I spoke to the hospital infectious control people on both occasions and was told if I had already had chicken pox I was fine to be there, and that was delivering hands on care to vulnerable kids so I'm sure you'll be ok in the office if you've already had it, OP, but it's lovely that you're showing concern for your colleagues

In the days when we couldn’t WFH, my HR department used to send an email advising people that Xx’s child had chickenpox. Meant if someone was vulnerable they were informed. Fairly large workplace and at least one of these emails a month.