Chicken Pox - help!!

[SquiffyHock]

Am fairly certain that DS has it but his birthday is on tuesday and we have booked a party for Sunday week. Will he be clear by then or should I just cancel it now?

Am worried that DD will have it in a few days, can't have his party without her there.

Bless him, he's not at all unwell.

Usually the spots have dried within a week and they are only contagious whilst the spots are wet (and for a couple of days before the spots come out).

Thank-you. I thought that if I made sure that all the parents know then we can go ahead and any that are worried can miss it. Is that unreasonable?

It's hardly a shock as it has been going around I just wouldn't want anyone to be annoyed if we go ahead with the party.

Sounds fine. I went to a party recently where the child had just gone down with it, I figured ds may well have already it contracted it from him anyway.

My dd is just getting over it - first spots appeared last Thursday and there are 3 spots on hands and feet that haven't crusted over yet - I think it might be close for the party. On the other hand with an incubation period of 10-21 days your dd may be ok.

If your DS is well enough (and am sure he will be by Tuesday) then go ahead as planned. But do pre-warn others as - you've suggested - incase there are any undeclared pregancies/people worried about chicken pox interfering with their hols. Don't take offence if anyone declines, and perhaps have a small tea party once DS is completely clear fpr those who couldn't come.

Just to add - as long as you let people know I don't think it unreasonable to go ahead with a party - parents can make a choice if they are happy for their dc's to come or not if they have reasons for avoiding it - chances are a lot will have already had it.

Next dilemma - it's at a leisure centre as we didn't think we could have it at home. Should I let them know or is the place just full of germs anyway??? I could change the venue to home but would rather not at this stage.

Thanks for all the advice

For your info Health Protection Agency Guidelines re chicken pox state that achildmay return to school / nursery 5 days after spots appear.

So if your DS has got it and spots are coming out then he will be OK to mix with other kids on week Sunday.

As reethi96 said they are contagious just before the spots come out and just after.

My dd3 has had CP recently and dd2 came out with spots 2 weeks to the day that we spotted (sorry, pun not intended) the first ones on dd3. Aparently this is a classic gap, so week on Sunday, you may be lucky with DS being to all intents and purposes recovered, and your DD just waiting with the sword of Damocles hanging over her...poor thing.

My DD2 was so adamant she wasn't going to let DD3 infect her as she has her first cub camp this weekend...but alas, she is covered in spots and cannot go. Sniff.

Good Luck with party SquiffyHock.

Thanks all - EmmyLou, it's two weeks to the day that my friend's DD first got spots and we were with her then so it sounds like you're spot (!) on!!

I think I'll go ahead but warn everyone.

Thanks again