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Grandchildren have chickenpox

Sazle1969
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Hi, my granddaughter has had a recent diagnosis of leukemia and I am part of my daughters support network. 2 of my other grandchildren have just caught chickenpox should I stay away from them as she is neutrophenic at the moment. I do not want to put her at any risk

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    Hi there ... 

    I know you posted under ask the nurses ... so hope you don't mind reply from me ...

    My granddaughter had leaukemia and we had to be extra careful on even a sniffle .. I'd say please don't go till you know it's safe ... inform your daughter / son as they need to be aware ... always better safe then sorry .. 

    Fingers crossed she beats this ... Chrissie....

  • Offline in reply to Chriss

    Thankyou. Of course I don't. I haven't visited any of them yet. 

    It's so hard because my daughter who has the children with chickenpox is 30 next week and we'd made plans, but my daughter who's child has leukemia needs me for help with hospital appointments etc.

    I'm finding it so hard to know what to do atm. It's all so overwhelming 

     

     

     

  • Hello and thanks for posting,

    what a difficult situation you are in, trying to support both families. I would err on the safe side and stay away from the grandchildren with chicken pox. Even if you have had chicken pox yourself as a child, which I am not sure if that is the case, you will not have complete immunity in adulthood from chicken pox.

    The infectious period is from one to two days before the rash appears and your grandchild will be infectious until the vessicles are dry.

    There is a varicella vaccine that is recommended for people living with immunocompromised patients which you can read more about here

    Your grandchild will have a lowered immunity if she has just started treatment with leukemia and it is best  to make sure that she stays as infection free as possible so she can get on with any treatment that she is having.

    The NHS have produced some information about chicken pox which you may find helpful to read here

    I would also encourage your daughter to let her daughter's doctors know that there has been a case of chicken pox in the family. they should be able to advise you on the chicken pox vaccine.

    I hope this helps. If you want to discuss this or anything else then you are very welcome to give us a ring. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

    All the best,

    Catherine

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Catherine

    Thankyou. Yes it is difficult balancing but my main priority is my little princess at the moment. I di have chickenpox but at the age of 28 so I was worried I may be a carrier 

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