Chickenpox at Childcare - what do I look for?

[*PinkLilly*]

As you can tell from the title, I have just been informed by our childcare that there is 1 (so far) case of chickenpox. As DD has only just cracked 1 year old, I'm guessing that she will get it .

What symptoms can I look out for? Where do the spot occur most? I know she will be contagous (sp) before the spots show up so I just want to make sure that I don't get any other child infected.

[Pandora]

Is she too young to get the immunisation? I know its normaly at 18months but maybe call and check - if you have it within 5 days of exposure it can help.

spots often appear behind ears and on the tummy.

DS1 had a very mild bout and only got about 10 spots but they really can be all over. If you notice any go to the GP to get it confirmed or not - also chickenpox incubation can be 14-21 days.

[Schmickers]

It usually starts off with cold or flu-like symptoms. They are contagious from that point until the spots have all dried up and crusted.

[Floweryfields]

Often they have a fever. I have found the spots usually start on the torso - they look like little fluid filled blisters, sort of pimply. Google chicken pox pictures and you'll get some idea - warning, most children don't end up totally covered and as bad as some of these pics are.
Unfortunately with cp, it is contageous before the spots come out - so no one has any idea they are spreading it!

[*Belle*]

Both my kids got it DD1 got it when she was 2 1/2 and DD2 got it off her when she was 6 months old. DD1 got it every bad even though she had the immunisation. DD2 wasnt so bad even though she never had the immunisation. The first signs for us were flu like symptoms and whinginess and temp then a day later first spots appeared, DD1 got first spots in the nappy area then on her leg then shoulder. DD2 got spots first on her leg and torso. Hope this helps.