Will I get varicella if I contact a child with a pink spot?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have never suffered from varicella before. Two days back, I encountered a child having a pink spot on his back. The distance between us was roughly 1 to 1.5 meters at that time for about 30 seconds. Is this an exposure? What should I do?

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand the concern.

It will depend on whether the child has really suffered from chicken pox. A simple pink dot on the back does not amount to having chicken pox. The condition should involve several itchy blisters and spots. The blisters normally begin appearing on the chest, back, or face before spreading to other body parts. Normally, the spots should keep coming for about three to five days.

Based on the history provided:

To be within 1 meter to 1.5 meters of the patient for about 30 seconds is regarded as a short contact.
If the patient was not infected with chickenpox, then this is not regarded as an exposure at all.
Even when the patient is infected with chickenpox, this kind of short contact poses much less risk than long contact.

In the event that the child is found to be suffering from chickenpox, then it would be wise to seek treatment from a nearby health care facility.

This is because a doctor would help to evaluate the risk and establish the need for prophylaxis such as varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG) and varicella vaccine after exposure.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Do you have an image of the lesion?

Kindly revert with the answer.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.