Chicken pox and cancer

[Rach79]

Firstly sorry if the title is confusing/scary I just could not think of another way to word it.

My close friend is dying, he has 2-3 weeks and I obviously very much want to visit him however my son had spots on his face which we thought could be chicken pox but now they are dry and nearly gone after only 2 days so decided it was more likely a food allergy, tonight I noticed a pin prick style rash around his bellybutton.

So is it safe to visit if my son potentially has chicken pox? I would leave him with a friend during the actual visit but can it stick to my clothes? Should I run a quick antibac wipe over my clothes and hands?

 

[Larkspur]

Like you, I can't think of a better way to put this, but if your friend has only 2-3 weeks to live, I don't think it really matters.

It's highly that unlikely chicken pox could be transferred on your clothes anyway, and you/your friend may well be immune already. Plus, chicken pox has a 7-21-day incubation period, so even in the extremely unlikely scenario you managed to pass it on - brutal honesty coming up - your friend is probably going to pass before it affects him.

I say wash your hands, go, and say your goodbyes in person. I mean, obviously check with your friend or his family that they're cool with it, but I personally would not think it would make any difference.

 

[SarahBear]

As Larkspur stated, I'm not sure it matters at this point.

 

[crownest]

Unless he is in hospital or a hospice (risk of infecting other seriously ill patients) I would go see him maybe just ask his family first

 

[StaceyKor]

Agree with others, I doubt it would affect him anyway tbh. If he is in a hospice where others could be infected then that may change things slightly. I doubt you would be taking a young child into a hospice though so thats probably irrelevant. Its extremely unlikely you would be able to carry and transfer the virus on your clothes to anyone. Its generally only direct, close contact.

Sorry about your friend *hugs* xx

 

[AP]

If the spots are dried up, then, even if it was chicken pox, it's not infectious now

 

[LeannieB]

I just want to say im really sorry about your friend. Didnt want to read and run xx

 

[Rach79]

Thanks everyone. I am just paranoid that he will get them or shingles and I will have taken his last weeks away. He is in a hospice but many young kids will be visiting as he is only 33 and many of our circle have young kids. I will ask his mum see what she thinks.

 

[sophxx]

Just wanted to say I'm sorry about your friend. Hope you get to vist.

 

[shinona]

I'm so sorry about your friend. I'm sure it'll be fine, just go and spend time with him xx

 

[KatieB]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you get to see him and say your goodbyes