Chemo & Chicken Pox?

We’ve just had a call from our daughter’s nursery to say someone in her class has a confirmed case of chicken pox. We’re unsure if our little one has had it before (might of been hand foot and mouth) but her Dad is currently receiving quite intense chemotherapy and want to know if we should avoid putting our daughter in nursery / limit contact with one another as unsure if he could end up with chicken pox?

He had bloods done last week which shows his white blood cells at 0 so would assume that it’s quite possible he could end up with the virus

  • Hello rebgarg29 and thanks for posting

    I am sorry to hear your partner is undergoing treatment and can appreciate your concern about chicken pox.

    It is difficult when someone has a lowered immune system and they live with young children who pick up viruses very easily. Whilst you can try and lower the risk of passing things on including limiting or avoiding contact with them in the real world this often isn't realistic or possible.

    Your child may already have been exposed to chicken pox already. As I am sure you are aware people are infectious before the spots come out and they start feeling unwell so it is impossible to know someone has it. If this is the case then keep an eye on your child and if there are any signs of infection let your partner's specialist team/GP know. They may prescribe him some anti viral medication just in case he is exposed but if he has had chicken pox in the past this may also give him some protection.

    It is only you who can decide what to do in regards to nursery but in the real world you can't stop your child interacting with other children or with their dad so it is trying to be as safe as you can to reduce your risk.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes,

    Naomi