Signed off work due to CMV - anyone else had this?

[CupOfBrownJoy]

I saw my gynae yesterday for a scan and blood test results, I'm 7+5. Should probably also say here that I'm non-UK.

I'm a primary teacher, and so they did an extra blood test for cytomegalovirus which you are at risk from if you work with young children.

So, everything is absolutely fine except that they found I've got no immunity against cytomegalovirus. I had never heard of this before, but apparently its related to the herpes virus, causes flu-ey symtoms and isn't serious usually, but causes serious birth defects if you get it during pregnancy. In fact, when I googled it seems to be THE main cause of cerebral palsy and is more prevalent than Downs, or spina bifida (sorry if I'm not being totally accurate, this is just what I remember reading).

All the prevention advice seems to be about washing your hands more, avoiding sharing cutlery or kissing small children etc. However, in this country you are signed off work totally, with immediate effect. Does this happen anywhere else? I actually have a letter from the doctor which means that it is illegal for my employers to have me in work (as far as I understand it).

So, what I'm wondering is, has anyone else ever had/heard of this? I'm in the dark as I didn't even know it existed before yesterday, and now I'm off work for the rest of the year (due Christmas) - also got no idea whether I get paid/sick pay/maternity/whatever.

I'm due to see my bosses this morning and I'm quite anxious about what they're going to do/say.

Does anyone have any information at all or know anyone this has happened to?

Thanks x

TSC - you might want to read my posts properly - I did NOT ever say it is harmless for the baby at all. Of course it is potentially harmful - Marie had already said so, I didn't argue - I have linked to the NHS info - learn to read!

Besides which, if you knew anything you would know that unborn babies ARE immunocompromised as they don't have functional immune systems.

Sorry for your sister and your nephew but there is no excuse for making up shit about what I've posted.

Most people know that unborn babies and newborns have no immune function, surely? Perhaps not.

I'm think that's pretty common knowledge. Well, it is where I live. Can't speak for other corners of the world.

Jacksmania what happened to your name??!! I'm shocked!

TheSecondComing - where did Thumbwitch say that CMV is harmless to babies? I have read the thread and can find no-where where she says that. It is clearly 'NOT there in black and white'!

She says that CMV is harmless as long as there's no immunosuppression - that is NOT the same as saying it is harmless to the baby. You leapt down her throat based on an assumption you made about what she'd said, not on what she actually said.

I understand why your sister's experience makes you hyper-aware about this, but that's no justification to leap down someone's throat because you haven't read the thread properly. You could have asked Thumb if she was saying it wasn't harmful to babies, and she would have replied that of course she wasn't - instead of going straight to anger.

Oh dear, I've gone and shocked a pregnant woman :o
Sorry Cup, I hope you're ok!
I wandered onto the thread where MNHQ had yet again asked someone to change a sweary name. One thing led to another...

Anyway... I'm glad the - ahem- misunderstanding seems to be sorted ... just want to add that Thumb, who is a fairly brilliant scientist, would be unlikely to get her facts wrong on something like this...

What do you mean, "must have vanished"?

It didn't vanish because that's not what Thumb said.

Cupof congrats on your pregnancy. :)

Ok, I'm back to my normal self.

How are you doing, Cup?

Oh phew Jacks!

I'm ok - borrrrred though!

What is so frustrating is that so far I'm having a really easy time of it, no sickness whatsoever,no spotting etc, just sore boobs. If I was feeling like death then I would be quite glad of the time off, but as it is I'm just getting fed up.

I've still had no confirmation (in fact no communication whatsoever) from school that I can be off, or that they'll pay me according to my contract. Once I get all that sorted I can start making plans to fill my time a bit more productively.... I'm going to call them again in a bit.

If your doc's letter has signed you off though Cupof, doesn't that mean you're not insured to work in the school any more? That's what it means in the UK, don't know about Germany. Don't know as well if they're obliged to pay you or not - technically I suppose you're on long term sick leave, are you - did the doc explain?

I don't think they can say I have to come in Thumbwitch, but that doesn't mean to say they won't try.... unfortunately as much as I love my job and my colleagues, I don't trust the management as far as I can spit - plus I'm private so they seem to do pretty much as they please.

Technically they should pay me up until mat leave plus grant me the mat leave I'm entitled to in my contract, but my contract isn't an employment contract, I'm classed as self employed, so they could go the other way and refuse to give me anything (in which case I'll be calling my lawyer...)

I just want to know either way at this stage....

oh and technically its not sick leave - I'm actually legally prevented (by the German government) from working. Its all a bit of a minefield

Sounds messy, Cupof - hope you do get it sorted pronto so you can relax!