Are you aware that there is a new trend sweeping America?  This trend does not include the Bratz dolls, or even Spongebob.  Instead, this trend can affect your child’s health and well-being.  Parents are actually signing their children up for what is called a pox party.  At this point, I am sure you are highly curious as to what a pox party is. 

From a technical standpoint, a pox party is simply a party in which the hosting child has the chicken pox.  Other parents bring their children to the party in the hopes that their child will contract the virus and break out in the horrid rashes and spots.  Parents actually try to have their child infected with the virus that many people struggle to avoid.  These parties are encouraged by some medical professionals, which makes them even more alarming. 

When I was a child, the idea of having the chicken pox was awful, the infected child or adult was secluded from society for a while to keep the virus from spreading worse than it already had.  Chicken pox are highly contagious, which means it can be spread to the elderly, pregnant women, and the tiniest of babies quite easily.  When you are deliberately seeking this virus out, you are also recklessly endangering others lives.

Pregnant women are told, under strictest orders to stay far away from anyone who is ill.  What happens if a pregnant woman comes into contact with a child who has attended the pox party?  That woman now has to worry about her and her unborn babies’ health, this is very dangerous.  Children are supposed to be protected; the complications from chicken pox are very dangerous and can potentially be deadly. 

No one should ever consider doing something like a pox party without taking numerous precautions, including segregating their child from others, as well as getting a doctors input before even considering such a party.  While there is no guarantee that a doctor will give the best advice, it is always wise to notify your doctor of what you are intending to do so that in the event something goes wrong, they are aware of what has occurred prior to the complications. 

I strongly urge anyone who is considering a pox party for their child to do the research, decide if this is truly, something that you think is best for your child.  Once you have considered that, you need to dig around and consult with doctors to see their professional opinion.  As well, as consider the complications that can happen, and the innocent people who could become ill in your quest to have your child attend a pox party.  You should also look into the vaccination that is on the market today, determine based upon you and your lifestyle as well as your child individually which method is better. 

Some parents choose to omit the vaccination, yet still avoid pox parties.  This is the process of “natural” selection.  These parents feel that if their child is meant to catch the chicken pox that they will, they will neither help nor hinder their child’s chances of contracting the virus.  Whichever decision you choose to make, should always be made after through research and consideration.  Remember you should never purposely expose a newborn or very young infant to the virus, as it can be fatal.