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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can You Avoid Getting Chickenpox?

I am a cashier, and 60. Friday, (2 days ago) I was checking out someone, when his grandson started pointing out that he was breaking out with chicken pox, which I have never had! His grandpa said the dr. told him it wouldn't be contagious until the bumps started scabbing. I didn't want to take a chance, so I let another cashier finish ringing them up, while I went and washed my hands and arms. I did not have any direct contact with either, but I didn't know how many of the items I had rang up had been touched by this child, or if grandpa could have passed the germs over to me from handling the groceries I had already rang up. 4feet is probably the closest I was to the child, and 3 feet to grandpa. How worried do I need to be, and what precautions should I be taking? Thank you.
posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015
Twitter Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 16 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterised by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood.

It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens or oozing blisters of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is 10 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is completely dry and scabbed over.

Chickenpox is already contagious one or two days before the typical rash is visible. People usually also have headaches and joint pain. Chickenpox remains contagious until the final blisters have dried up and the scabs have all fallen off.

It is a little unlikely that you might get infected by the grandson, but i would recommend you to get vaccinated for chickenpox.

Varivax, a two-dose vaccine for chickenpox, is highly recommended for healthy children, adolescents, and adults who did not have the disease during childhood.Those aged 13 and over who do not have evidence of immunity should get two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart.

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How Can You Avoid Getting Chickenpox?

Chickenpox (varicella), a viral illness characterised by a very itchy red rash, is one of the most common infectious diseases of childhood. It is spread by droplets from a sneeze or cough, or by contact with the clothing, bed linens or oozing blisters of an infected person. The onset of symptoms is 10 to 21 days after exposure. The disease is most contagious a day or two before the rash appears and until the rash is completely dry and scabbed over. Chickenpox is already contagious one or two days before the typical rash is visible. People usually also have headaches and joint pain. Chickenpox remains contagious until the final blisters have dried up and the scabs have all fallen off. It is a little unlikely that you might get infected by the grandson, but i would recommend you to get vaccinated for chickenpox. Varivax, a two-dose vaccine for chickenpox, is highly recommended for healthy children, adolescents, and adults who did not have the disease during childhood.Those aged 13 and over who do not have evidence of immunity should get two doses of the vaccine four to eight weeks apart. Take Care