Exposed to Chicken pox? Okay to travel?

[Skatermom23]

My nephew was exposed to chicken pox at his daycare center this week. BIL is scheduled to take him on a trip next week to see an aging relative. I suggested he postpone the trip and he seemed shocked by the idea. The only thing it would cost him is the $100 fee to change the airline ticket. Everything else can be refunded.

My dad was exposed to chicken pox when he first began chemo by a relative who knew that he had been exposed and they still choose to attend this function where my dad was, knowing full well he was on chemo. Dad got shingles and suffered greatly from this. So what is the right thing to do?

 

[JeanneK]

That's a tough call. If your nephew has never had the chicken pox nor had the vaccine, he is susceptible. However, there still is a chance he may not evet get it. I can't remember what the incubation period is for chicken pox, I think it may be about a week. Just check to see if he had the vaccine, if so, his chances are lower he will get it. Good luck.

 

[Skatermom23]

He is just a baby so no vaccine yet.

 

[5/4Disney]

My husband and I went to WDW on our honeymoon 14yrs ago and 2wks after our return I came down with the chicken pox Wonder where I got them? I would say go on the trip, unless of he starts breaking out. It is my understanding you are not contagious until you have the blisters and a fever. If he has none of these symptoms I would go.

 

[Tammysue5]

You said he hasn't had the vaccine yet so he could very well come down with Chicken Pox. I would probably just call the relative and give them the option. They do have the right to know. Like you, I know someone who had cancer, on chemo and grandson (non-intentional) exposed him and he came down terrible... So, being up front and honest would be the best option.

 

[bumbershoot]

Let the relative make the call.



(and even those who receive vaccines can still get the diseases)

 

[Aliceacc]

I would suggest that BIL call his pediatrician.

 

[barkley]

when dd and ds had chicken pox (of course not lucky enough for them to have them at the same time ) our ped said to keep them away from all elderly relatives no matter what their general health was. both my mom and my mil have had shingles in the past and i would'nt wish them on anyone (suffered terribly).

i think the decent thing to do on your bil's part is advise the relative and let them decide for themself (and if that baby shows any indication of coming down with them prior to departure, and your bil takes him on a plane SHAME ON HIM-he could infect the entire flight. you might want to mention to him that if the baby comes down with them during the trip it will likely cost him a whole lot more with additonal days off work and re-booking the return flight-cuz the airlines will not let a child travel on a plane with chicken pox, i don't think they will even let them once they have scabbed over).

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

i think the decent thing to do on your bil's part is advise the relative and let them decide for themself

I think that's probably the best, too.

 

[Belle1962]

From the CDC website (highlights and italics are mine)

Chickenpox is highly infectious and spreads from person to person by direct contact or through the air from an infected person’s coughing or sneezing or from aerosolization of virus from skin lesions. A person with chickenpox is contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears and until all blisters have formed scabs. It takes from 10-21 days after exposure for someone to develop chickenpox.
Stay home.

 

[Mkrop]

DS10 got the chicken pox despite getting the vaccine. DS4 was just approaching his first bday and had not received the vaccine yet. We were told that he was susceptible for 2 weeks and not to take either kid near any pregnant women or elderly relatives, had to cancel the big 1st bday party.