Chicken Pox 101

We just found out this past weekend that Colby & Grady were exposed to Chicken Pox on July 20th. For most people it's not a big deal, but for Grady it would probably mean another hospital stay. I have been on the phone with his pediatrician as well as doing some research on my own. I found out that the incubation period is normally 14 to 16 days but can be as long as 21 days. We just completed day nine so we are not out of the woods by a long shot. Colby received the vaccine, but Grady is not allowed to have it because of his suppressed immune system. (Even though Colby received the vaccine, he could still get it - just not as severe).

The transplant nurse told me that if I see even one lesion on Grady (I am supposed to check him several times a day), I need to go to the ER and have him urgently admitted where they will start iv medications immediately. She told me this on my answering machine, so I didn't get to ask, but I am assuming we will have to go to Cleveland where they are more experienced with this type of situation. I will be talking to them more tomorrow & hopefully clarifying the "if" details.

Also, I found out that had we known within 72 hours of him being exposed, they could have given him medicine to prevent it. Even if Grady gets chicken pox now, he will not be immune to it in the future because of the medications he is on so if you or your children ever have any type of rash or anything that looks questionable, please stay away from Grady. Chicken pox is spread thru the air, so even if you don't touch Grady, he could still get it. I know that a lot of times you don't know that you have chicken pox until it's too late but if we find out within 72 hours, we can prevent it.

On a more positive note, I did a little more research this evening and found out that a child who has been vaccinated and contracts the chicken pox virus is only 1/2 has contagious as a child who has not been vaccinated. (The child that exposed us was vaccinated - definitely a plus!) I am hoping that with him being vaccinated and Colby being vaccinated that somehow we can dodge this whole thing. Please pray! I will try to update you daily as to whether we have come down with it or not.

Just so you know, the people who exposed us had no idea at the time and they feel horrible.