Chickenpox

Robbiethe3rd

I've (finally) caught chickenpox. Ive got over it pretty quickly and am arguing with someone as to whether or not I am still contagious. The spots have all scabbed and a good few are disappearing now, lymph nodes are gone down a good bit and although I still feel a bit weak, I don't have a fever.
I don't think I'm contagious.
However its only been 6 days since I first developed the first symptoms and the person I'm arguing with thinks I have to wait 10 days to be sure that I am not.

Any thoughts???!!!

DrIndy

the infective period is from about 3 days before the rash appears until the pox scabs over and there are no blisters.

The reason is it is present in your cough from before the rash and the blisters contain large quantities of virus particles. once they scab over then they are not infectious.

if in doubt as to whether they have scabbed over properly, check with your GP.

Dizzyblonde

Mammies years ago used to say that chickenpox was '3 days coming, 3 days there and 3 days going'. It probably has nothing to do with how contagious you are, but your question reminded me of my granny saying it.

Chunky Monkey

Make sure you don't pick those scabs! I have scars on my face from fourteen years ago

Nole

What i studied told me that it takes 7-10 days.

tallaght01

10 days is about average, but standard advioce is that you're no longer contagious after the last spot has scabbed over. I've seen the whole process in some kids take as little as 3days.

Robbiethe3rd

Yeah that's the thing, I got over it very quickly, but I was on acyclovir so that probably helped me recover, anyway DEFINITELY over it by now, cheers guys!