is this irresponsible? - Page 2

[KimPM]

Originally Posted by LaLaLaLa

I had chicken pox when I was in second grade--a very mild case, sitting out in the yard on a blanket with my brother playing board games for a week. It was fun.

When I was nineteen, I was home from college and looking for a job as a nanny. One of the kids at one of the houses where I interviewed infected me with a second case. It was the sickest I have EVER been.

Pox in my nose, down my throat, on my eyeballs. Hours of laying on the couch staring up at the ceiling because I was too sick even to watch television or sleep. Chicken pox as an adult (or near-adult, at least) was a very different thing from chicken pox as a kid. I wouldn't take the chance of causing that experience for anyone.

Thanks for sharing this interesting information.

Apparently some of us who have had it mildly as children are not as immune as we think we are. I would not get the vaccine. However, I will keep your story in mind as I evaluate my and others' exposure.

[momofmine]

Yes, I have heard of that happening, if one had a very mild case in childhood.

ALSO, to the OP, I have heard that it is less likely to confer lifelong immunity when the individual gets CP before the age of one. Maybe b/c they are still getting antibodies from mom, or they don't mount a strong enough immune response at that age? not sure why, but I've heard that many times.

[laohaire]

This wouldn't be a difficult choice for me at all. Your sister has already expressed her strong concerns, and they are understandable. I would not be putting her in the position of choosing between missing the gathering and potentially getting sick (possibly very sick).

I also wouldn't be leaving this up to other people - is it fair for your grandmother or someone else to decide on behalf of your sister?

So to me this wouldn't be a "hard decision."

[ians_mommy]

Haven't read all the posts, but here is a link to a web site that shows the incubation and contagious times for themost common childhood illnesses...thought it might help you make a decision.
http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_incubate_hhg.htm

[proudmamanow]

well, thanks to all those who offered thoughtful, sensitive and sympathetic opinions.

In the end, everyone involved (mom, stepmom, dad and sister) are immune...so we are doing the trip, and avoiding any larger family gatherings.

And I am very happy and comfortable with this decision, as is everyone involved.

[leila1213]

Have a great time and please come back to let us know the outcome - whether everyone remains unscathed or if anybody shows signs of CP.