Chicken Pox dilemma

[exBrightonBell]

I work in a large secondary school, and have just been notified that a pupil has chicken pox. I have never had chicken pox myself. However, I don't teach the pupil in question, so I haven't come into direct contact with them. I'm more worried about any other pupils who don't know they've got it yet and are still in school whilst being contagious. Should I be concerned? Should I stay away from school until there are no more confirmed cases?

I am quite worried about what would happen if I caught it, and I don't want to put my baby at risk. But I am not sure if I am overreacting about this. I'm nearly 16 weeks btw.

I would ask your GP, I know someone who was signed off just in case in similar circumstances.

However, it is not the most dangerous time to be in contact, so that's good. Incubation period is up to three weeks though.

I know a teacher who was signed off during her whole pregnancy because she hadn't had chicken pox yet. That was a primary school though, so I guess CP would be more common.

I didn't realise chicken pox was one to be worried about while PG (though can understand you wouldn't want to get it anyway!). What are the risks?

HotPink, there's nothing to worry about if you've already had it (which most of us have) but OP said she hasn't had it before.

The NHS website has good info, it doesn't seem to be too horrendous and only becomes a problem if the baby catches it (not all do). Most important thing is to speak to your midwife or GP if you think you've been exposed or are likely to be.

Go to your GP....they should send you for an VZV antibody test which will determine if you've never had chickenpox.

Lots of people think they haven't had chickenpox but usually after having this test they find out that they have. Your not over-reacting, although the first 12 weeks is the most dangerous time to contract it whilst pregnant but your test results will determine the course of action and whether you need to stay at home. The test will be done and results sent to your GP on the same day, so there will be no anxious wait

thanks for the responses. I will definitely check with my GP tomorrow and find out whether I need to have a test.

I know that chickenpox is one of the ones you really souls avoid, along with German measles etc. I'd follow the advice of others and get in touch with GP, but maybe try NHS direct too? 0845 46 47.

There's a whole load of info for maternity/risk assessment on the NUT website - I'd be tempted to look that up too!

All the best - and don't go in till you've got the all clear!

Souls!!!! I meant should. Oops

I'm getting my bloods tested for immunity to chicken pox, so I should know in a couple of days whether I need to worry or not. Apparently they can use the blood they took at booking in to test, so no need for another blood test, thankfully!

I had this with my first pregnancy a child in my class got CP (primary teacher) I phoned docs who said risk was up to 20 weeks and after 28, I was 19 weeks at time. I could not find out from family members if I had it my brother thought so he was 8 when he had it and he thought I had it age 2. Anyway very quick antibody check revealed I was immune. Docs also said 95-97% of population immune and probably had as a child with little or no symptoms. Hope all is ok.

HMS

Well... I got called by the midwife unit today who told me that I am in the 3-5% of the population who isn't immune to chickenpox! On the upside they aren't too worried about the level of contact but if there are any more outbreaks of it at school it could get interesting...