Spots

[MoshiMoshi]

About to see the GP for a diagnosis but DD2 woke up with spots today - either chicken pox or measles, both of which are going around at the moment. She has had the pox as a baby but I suspect not quite enough to get immunity. Have Googled to check implications for me as I am 35.5 weeks pregnant with DC4, but wanted to get some reassurance to stop me worrying. Think I had the pox and measles as a child but how would I know if this was enough to give me immunity? Will it be a case of asking the GP to confirm this for me?

Many thanks for any advice.

You should be able to tell the difference as the rash develops and spreads: chickenpox is discreet red spots which turn into small blister-like vesicles. If she's had chickenpox before, even a mild attack, then it is unlikely she'd get it again.

Measles usually shows as an angry fine red rash without vesicles, coupled with a dry cough and conjunctivitis. Children appear very unwell and miserable.

If your daughter had chickenpox earlier then you will have been exposed at that time; it is highly infectious. If you didn't develop chickenpox yourself back then, it's likely you are seropositive from your own infection in childhood and in fact your immunity will probably have had a boost.

If you had measles as a child then you should be immune and there are no consequences for you and the baby.

If you're really not sure of your childhood illnesses, then yes your GP can ask for your booking blood to be dug out at the local pathology lab and checked for VZV (the chickenpox virus) and measles antibodies.

Thanks for your post, Musukebba. The Dr said it is a viral infection so I can relax (for now...) I must admit I was worrying about measles as she had a bit of a sticky eye yesterday and, although has had her MMR, has not yet had the booster. But, as you say, hopefully my having had it as a child should have protected me. But then it is my duty to panic being heavily pregnant ...

Hi, can I just hyjack this thread. DD woke up today with a rash on her body and arms, she has had a cough for about 2 weeks now so I assumed it was a viral rash of some sort. She is ok within herself and has an appetite etc so I sent her to school . You have worried me with the mention of measles. Should add dd is 8 and is totally up to date with immunisations etc.

@MishiMoshi: yes indeed and I think everyone does when there's rashes around. Good to hear about the MMR and even one dose is pretty effective for your DD.

@singyswife: with 2 doses of MMR your DD should be safe from measles and rubella. Also she wouldn't be appearing quite so healthy if it were measles.