Is this a silly idea?

[Dimazoma]

Our dd(4) is in Junior Kindergarten. I have been nervous about her coming down with chickenpox before or during our trip. I am also worried about her coming down with a cold before as well. She only has two days at school this week and she will miss two days while we are away. I was thinking of not sending her this week just to help ensure she doesn't pick any 'bugs' up from the other kids. Its only extra days. Am I nuts? What do you think? Would you keep her home or send her to school? Thanks!

 

[hannahsmomma]

At this age, I would do it. JMO

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

I would speak to the teacher and see if there's any work she will miss. At her age, probably not. I always pack EVERYTHING for colds, coughs, fevers, etc. Just in case. Can't plan for everything. Relax and enjoy and she will too. Kids pick up on their parents vibes and the quickest way to get sick is to think sick. Have a great time!

 

[PlutoPony]

Isn't incubation period for chickenpox something like 7-10 days?? If so it's too late to assure that she hasn't already been exposed.....

 

[Dimazoma]

Actually incubation for chickenpox is between 14 and 21 days, but usually closer to 14. How much could she miss???

 

[WDWfan36]

I would keep her home especially with all this stuff going around HIH!

 

[MinnieGi]

I might be tempted to keep her home if I were you this week. We are all sick and DD actually missed all last week at school. She is in Pre-K and it seems quite a few of the children have been coming down with colds now. We were lucky we all felt great when we went to WDW second week in Jan. I would be more worried about a cold then chickenpox unless it is going around the classroom.

 

[BuzzNutt]

Keep her home. She is 4 and will only be missing a few days. I would ask the teacher if there are any activities during those days that might overlap your trip and see if you can turn something from the trip into a school tie-in. Have a great & healthy trip.

 

[Hannathy]

Keep her home ONLY if you plan on not taking her anywhere and I mean anywhere till your trip. No Church or stores no playing with friends etc. Otherwise what good would it do. If you are this worried I am wondering why she wasn't immunized against Chicken Pox our School district requires it now.And as others have said the incubation time is long and she would have already been exposed if she was. A better idea would be lots and lots of handwashing.

 

[Dimazoma]

Its not so much chickenpox that I am worried about at this point. She could be in the midst of the incubation period as I write this and I won't know til they show up. I am worried about her coming down with a bad cold and if you have ever flown with a bad cold, you would know it is very uncomfortable. Re: chickenpox vaccine. No, it is definitely not mandatory in Ontario. I am not afraid of my dd getting chickenpox in general. I am only concerned about her getting them during this trip!!! Re: handwashing. At least if I keep her away from school, I can make sure she washes her hands or puts sanitizer on her hands if we have to go to the grocery store etc. I cannot watch her all day at school making sure she washes her hands before snacks etc.....

 

[Dimazoma]

Well, my dh seems to really think we should keep her home.....but ultimately it is up to me..... I hope the bus is cancelled tomorrow!!!!

 

[wrldpossibility]

She won't miss much, and if keeping her home will make you feel better, go for it. But if you end up taking her anywhere else, it was pretty much worthless. I would probably have my child go, since I'm sure I wouldn't be able to keep him completely home for 2 days (I'd go crazy!). Unless chicken pox is going around?? Hard to imagine as almost all kids are immunized now. Like you said, I'd be more worried about a cold or flu virus. I certainly understand not wanting her sick or getting sick right before your trip!

 

[Dimazoma]

Yes, chickenpox is going around!!! I am finding that not a lot of kids my dd's age are immunized against chickenpox. It seems to be the younger ones that are. I am still undecided. I just want her to have a good time and not feel terrible. I know it is not in my control, but if it helps just a little to keep her away from school for two extra days, I am leaning toward doing that. I think I am obsessing...