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I have been a family provider for 30 yrs.I have never had a child get chickenpox. My own children had it but then the vaccine came out and I guess I was lucky to not have daycare have it.Friday I noticed a small pimple -bug bite (I thought) on my 11 month old DCG.After nap there was at least 2 more.They were on her head ,I pointed it out to mom at pickup.She said "I hope its not chicken pox" .I really doubted it was but told her to watch that no more showed up.Got a call yesterday (sat)that Dr confirmed chicken pox.How long would you insist she stay home?She was contagious two days before and until the last pox crusts over. I am concerned for the two other children who have not been immunized yet.I am also concerned that at 60 yrs old I could get shingles. I have been very stressed this past year(family-life) and seem to get every cold the kids have had this winter(very unusual for me).I think the earliest she should return is 10 days from onset,what do you think?Also how to write notice to other parents about their child being exposed. Thanks Nan
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chickenpox
years ago dd had been to the circus with her class....not long after she broke out w/ chicpox (on my birthday!)....unknowinly all daycare kids were exposed and I was NICE enough that I ended up with my 3 and 3 daycare kids with CP for the duration.....the only random time hubs ever brought flowers home( still in 30+ yrs and this was 22 yrs ago just before the vaccine came out) was after that stressful week was over....all girls/and like sisiter so they would have an oatmeal bath now and then(not all 6 together!). I would never do that again!But I felt they got it trough us and we were done so why not....as I remember none of the parents realised what a service I was doing by taking their very whiny, sick kids.....and now I am worried over shingles too....heard vaccine only minimizes disease and can't afford shot anyway.Good luck.Just had to share my story... -
Thanks for sharing. I definately do not want shingles and will put a call into my Dr tomorrow. I think the child should at least stay home until tue after memorial day. We will see what the week brings.Comment
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Definitely send a notice to parents
"Dear dcf's,
Your child has been exposed to chicken pox. Here are the symtoms to watch for...
If your child has any of these symptoms please call your dr asap to confirm. The child must remain home for xxxx amount of days after symptoms are gone"Comment
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Did you have chix pox as a child ? If so then you already have the virus in your system and able to get shingles .
At this point there is not much you can do if you have already been exposed and have never had chix pox . Just because you catch it does not mean you will get shingles .
I had chix pox as a child and have gone through some very stressful times - (months of high stress) and I never got shingles .Comment
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If you have not had chicken pox I would get the vaccine if you do not get it this time... and it is 7 to 10 days they are excluded. all sores must be crusted over completely In fact they used to say the scabs had to be gone because the flaking scabs can spread it. The problem is not all kids break out all in one day. It could be over several day thus the 10 day window and it might be longer.
And yes if you get it it will be chickenpox not shingles... But if you get chicken pox in the future you might get shingles when you are older.It:
: will waitComment
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When my father got shingles, he had not been exposed to chicken pox to our knowledge. The doctor said the virus is already in your system if you have had chickenpox, and it just comes out as shingles for about 1/3 of people when they are older.
If you have never had chickenpox, you should definitely talk to your doctor, because it is often much more serious for adults to have it.
Most exposed people break out around day 14-16 after exposure - though the range is 10-21. In my experience, it's often day 14.
My information on exclusion says this: "Until all the blisters have dried into scabs and no new blisters or sores have started within the last 24 hours; usually by day 6 after the rash began." But I have had children take 7 -10 days to have all dried scabs.
I would check with your doctor so that you aren't worried about shingles for yourself for no reason.Comment
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I did have chicken pox as an infant. I only woory that at age 60 I am more likely to get it. I think at this time it is to late for the vaccine,and some insurances won't pay for it. I am hoping the 4 month old and other 13 monthold DCC won.t get it but we will know in 2 to 3 weeks. Thanks for the feedback.Comment
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Parents of infants took the news well.One just had the vaccine two weeks ago. Four month old hopefully won't get it. The parent of the sick child agreed to keep her at least until tuesday next week.Comment
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