It's ds's great-grandma's 90th B-day, and he was exposed to chicken pox. Is it OK for him to go...

[DesertFlower]

Is it ok, or could it be dangerous for her? She's so old, I want to make sure she doesn't get sick.

[Llyra]

Chances are she's had chicken pox already, sometime in her long life, and if she hasn't, she's likely got immunity. Don't you think? And it's continued exposure to the virus that prevents it re-emerging as shingles, isn't it? So that's not an issue, either. I wouldn't worry about it.

[WildKingdom]

Well, what about other people who might be at the party?  Are they OK with getting exposed to CP?  Are there any other kids or pregnant women that will be there?

[stik]

Many doctors now think that there is no such thing as lifelong immunity to chicken pox without periodic re-exposure, and many older people are immuno-suppressed, which means their immunity is iffy anyway.  I wouldn't risk it. 

[Lakeeffectsnow]

No, it is not okay.  He is sick with a highly contagious disease.

[Lauren31]

That is definitely not OK. Chicken pox is a deadly disease for older people regardless if they have had it before.  Not to mention the other people who are at the party might not want an infectious disease.

[crystal_buffaloe]

I would say not to risk it, sorry.

[TCMoulton]

Bad idea - chicken pox can and does cause serious complications in the very old, very young and immunocompromised individuals. Knowingly exposing a 90-year old woman could have catastrophic consequences.

[springmum]

When was your DS exposed? How many days after exposure is the party?

Incubation period is average 10-21 days, sometimes as early as 7. You are contagious approx 3 days BEFORE the spots appear, so you don't want to expose anyone in that time period.

I know how frustrating it is, we almost had to reschedule a vacation due to exposure. Turns out my DS didn't get chicken pox after all. We skipped a visit with my Nana during that time period as well, just in case.