So what's the deal with chicken pox - advice please

[paintforfun]

My 2 yr old is just getting over chicken pox - spots drying up, falling off etc. Now our 8 yr old is breaking out in spots - why they couldn't get it together I don't know. Anyway, I'm wondering what the rule is (if there is one) with chicken pox and schools? He won't be in tomorrow as he has a high temperature, but if he's feeling ok can he go? I was thinking of contacting school anyway to ask them, but I'm sure lots of parents out there have been through this so I'd love some advice

My ds1 has just come down with this, so have looked into it. They are contagious for 2 days before the rash starts (nothing you can do about this), it can be incubated for 13 - 21 days.
They are infectious until all their spots have crusted over. This usually takes about 5 days, so I don't think your 8 year old will be likely to go to school this week. I am planning on keeping ds1 off all week.

Thank you - I'm just checking it on NHS Direct, but I was thinking a week off school. I could be mean and go into school to get him some work to do...

There is a 10-14 day incubation period so your 8yr old has caught it from your 2 yr old.He cannot go to school until his spots are all dried up as he is infectious until them.You should also keep him away from public places.