Could it be the start of chicken pox?

Question

Last week my daughter had chicken pox. As a child i never had the disease,but this morning i have woke up with around 6 spots on my torso they are not really very itchy and are not blisters yet. Could this be how it starts or am i being paranoid.
My skin feels very tingly especially around my back and i feel generally tired and achy. The main reason i ask this is i have to work this afternoon and one of my colleagues is 3 months pregnant.I would feel so bad if i passed it on to her.

Answer 1

there maximum chances thaqt u have got it

Answer 2

It may not be chicken Pox but Shingles that can start from middle of tummy where ribs are and go right around the back but also can develop anywhere on the body (very painful condition) and it is (another form of chicken pox) but same warnings given out as chicken pox with regards to pregnant women my son had chicken pox as a child then developed shingles when he was 8 - Hope ur feeling better soon

Answer 3

Sounds quite likely that you have chicken pox too. Adult chicken pox can be a lot worse that having it as a child too!

I had it when I was 16 and it started with me feeling very tired and achey and I got a couple of spots on my face and arms - the next day, I was covered.

Personally I would consider calling in sick until you know for sure!

Answer 4

One important point here is -whether the pregnant lady has definitely had chickenpox herself. If she has, then she should be immune from catching chickenpox again.
The symptoms stated could be the start of chickenpox (if you have not had chickenpox before)and will soon become obvious. The incubation time for chickenpox is around two weeks - so your daughter is unlikely to be the source of your infection - ie someone else gave it to you.
As a general principle, any pregnant lady who has contact with a case of chickenpox (including people who are in the couple of days stage before the spots start) and is unsure whether she has had the illness, she should contact her doctor immediately.

Answer 5

Chickenpox in Adults
Chickenpox causes a rash and can make you feel generally unwell. Symptoms tend to be worse in adults than children. Treatment aims to ease symptoms until the illness goes. Full recovery is usual. Serious complications are rare, but are more common in adults than children and are more likely to occur in people with a poor immune system such as those on chemotherapy.


What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The immune system makes antibodies during the infection. These fight the virus and then provide lifelong immunity. Therefore, it is rare to have more than one bout of chickenpox.

Most people have chickenpox as a child. About 9 in 10 people have had it by the age of 15. It is uncommon for adults to have chickenpox.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Symptoms are usually more severe in adults than in children. You can expect to have a few uncomfortable days.

Fever (temperature), aches and headache often start a day or so before a rash appears.
Rash. Spots appear in crops. The spots develop into small blisters and are itchy. They can be anywhere on the body and sometimes also in the mouth. Several crops may develop over several days. Some people are covered in spots, others have only a few.
Dry cough, sore throat, and feeling sick are common.
The fever and generally feeling unwell can last several days. The blisters gradually dry up and scab. They slowly fade over a week or so, but may take 2-3 weeks to go completely. A dry cough may persist for a while after all the other symptoms have gone.

What is the treatment for chickenpox?

Treatment aims to ease symptoms whilst your immune system fights the virus.

Have plenty to drink to avoid dehydration.
Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease fever, headaches, and aches and pains.
Crotamiton lotion or cream put on the spots may ease itching.
Antihistamine tablets or liquid medicine taken at bedtime may help you to sleep if itch is a problem at night. You can buy these at pharmacies, or get them on prescription.
Antiviral medication is used in special circumstances where chickenpox can be more serious. For example, people who have a poor immune system, newborn babies, and in some cases of chickenpox in pregnant women.

Are there any complications?

The spots do not usually scar unless they are badly scratched.
In some cases, some spots become infected with bacteria. If this occurs the surrounding skin becomes red and sore. Antibiotics may then be needed.
Inflammation of the lung (pneumonia) is a rare complication affecting about 1 in 100 adults with chickenpox.
Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) is a very rare complication.
See a doctor urgently if you become breathless, confused, or if you have any unusual or severe symptoms. Also, pregnant women have a higher risk of developing complications. See a doctor urgently if you are pregnant and develop chickenpox.


Is chickenpox infectious?

Yes, it is very infectious. The virus travels in the air and then settles on clothes, bedding, etc. It takes 11-20 days to develop symptoms after catching the virus (the 'incubation period').

Protecting others

A person with chickenpox is infectious from 2-4 days before the rash first appears until all the spots have crusted over (commonly about 5-6 days after onset of the illness). You can usually return to work after this time if you feel well enough. Whilst you are infectious, keep away from people who may get a severe illness if they get chickenpox. These are:

Pregnant women who have not had chickenpox in the past.
People with a poor immune system. For example, people with leukaemia, with HIV/AIDS, on high dose steroid medication, or are taking chemotherapy.
Healthy people who have not had chickenpox may also want to avoid catching it. So, friends and family who have not had chickenpox may wish avoid you whilst you are infectious. However, most healthy adults and many children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune.

Answer 6

Pleas don't go to work - you almost definitely have the pox and you don't want to be responsible for harm to your colleague's unborn child! Sorry to be melodromatic but it sounds like you know the risks there anyway...I would put money on you having chickenpox from your description so stay at home!

Hope you're better soon...

Answer 7

Yeah, you probably got it.
I would inform your colleague about you getting it, and just tell her youre worried about her getting it, if she seeks a doctor soon enough, she will be fine =].
You didnt know, so dont worry, just contact her.

Answer 8

You probably do have chickenpox. Stay away from work, especially the pregnant women. Chickenpox can kill unborn babies.

Answer 9

This is a very contagious stage right now so stay home .

Answer 10

well it is how it starts b/c one of my family members had it and that is how it started so u shouldnt go to work so u dont give it to ur friend so worker