Chicken Pox

**Capsid** · 06-04-2009, 08:32 PM

Actually, it's beneficial for elderly people to be in contact with kids with chickenpox, it boosts their immunity and reduces their chances of getting shingles. Assuming that they had chicken pox as a child (highly likely) and it's rare to get it twice.

The spots and cough are chicken pox symptoms. He'll be infectious for up to 3 weeks.

**selfraising** · 06-04-2009, 08:35 PM

Have you had it yet? Because when my two were young, the eldest daughter got it not too bad, the younger one caught it quite mild. I then caught it off them and was not onlyabsolutely covered but was really ill for about 2 weeks and in the first week lost half a stone in weight.

**Alice** · 06-04-2009, 08:41 PM

What a shame Shortie.
The kids are infectious until the very last scab has disappeared from the very last spot.
Could be 2 to 3 weeks.

**Shortie** · 06-04-2009, 08:52 PM

Bloomin' heck - 2-3 weeks! Thanks for the info everyone

Hmm... I'll get Mr Shortie to put a call in to his Mum and see what she wants us to do...

Luckily we've both had Chicken Pox and secretly I'm hoping teenie Shortie gets it too - I don't mena that to sound mean, I'd just like to get it over and done with

My concern about Mr Shortie's Nan is that she's nearly 90, and been in and out of hospital with breathing problems and blood pressure problems since a stroke 3 years ago, so she's really not fit. I was thinking we could avoid the boys seeing her, but can it carry on clothing? Is it THAT infectious?

Also, I've heard you can't catch Chicken Pox twice, but you can catch it a second time in the form of Shingles? I'm sure we'll be fine though

just not so sure about Mr Shortie's Nan...?

**selfraising** · 06-04-2009, 08:54 PM

I would be tempted to delay the trip for Nan's sake.

**Shortie** · 06-04-2009, 08:56 PM

... me too

Danred, I was hoping to hear it would all be fine, lol

Thanks guys

**Capsid** · 06-04-2009, 08:59 PM

Shingles is a reactivation of the original chicken pox infection, you don't catch it again. You get shingles when your immunity is low and the chicken pox virus re-emerges after it has lain dormant in your nerve cells.

**Shortie** · 06-04-2009, 09:02 PM

Originally posted by Capsid View Post

Shingles is a reactivation of the original chicken pox infection, you don't catch it again. You get shingles when your immunity is low and the chicken pox virus re-emerges after it has lain dormant in your nerve cells.

Ahh.. so (and this is my non-mendical side coming out in full force) it's a little like a cold sore - once you get the virus it never goes and can sometimes flare up again at certain times/circumstances?

**Capsid** · 06-04-2009, 09:03 PM

Originally posted by Shortie View Post

Ahh.. so (and this is my non-mendical; side coming out in full force) it's a little like a cold soar - once you get the virus it never goes and can sometimes flare up again at certain times/circumstances?

Yes, exactly!

**Shortie** · 06-04-2009, 09:04 PM

Thanks Capsid

**percy charlie** · 06-04-2009, 09:46 PM

my nan had chicken pox twice as a child then got shingles twice from us gran kids who had chicken pox but she did have a variety of health complaints so her immune system wasnt great, they say no longer contatious 2 weeks after the spots appear and to start the count when all have scabbed over. all i can say is camamile lotion by the bucket for the itching.

**emilymup** · 07-04-2009, 07:46 AM

Sorry to say but my little boy has only just recovered from his second bout of chicken pox!! He suffered the first bout just under a year ago. Was quite poorly and covered in nasty spots both times. They didn't seem too surprised at the doctors surgery.

Hope your children make a speedy recovery!

Oh, and by the way, I used Eurax cream on the spots. Really takes the itch out of them and lasts for about 10 hours. One application morning and night as well as piriton if the itching really bad, and calpol for temperature/fever sorted out my little man a treat!!

di · 07-04-2009, 08:10 AM

What a nuisance!I'd probably be like you & avoid visiting anyone elderly or otherwise fragile...I'd feel awful if they contracted it from my kiddies.But don't feel totally isolated,most parents are more than happy for their kiddies to be exposed to it,so hopefully,once he's over the feeling poorly stage,you'll still be able to do normal stuff....just make sure & let people know so they can make their choice.You could even have a chicken pox party...might help to lift his spirits!

The Eurax cream is a little pricey,but worked better for us than the Calamine(we were lucky & our neighbours kiddies had it first & we inherited a half tube from them!),we kept ours dosed up with Piriton also.

**shirlthegirl43** · 07-04-2009, 08:11 AM

Just be warned that your teenager may get adult chicken pox instead of the children's version. This is a much worse version and a visit to the doctor at the first sign of the spots would be kind as anti-viral medication can be given to reduce the pain and fever.

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