Possible contraindication

If you have had CP then you will have immunity, as will they if they have had it in the past - but not from shingles. However, as long as you are not treating any pregnant women, and you observe full and proper hygiene routine - including wiping down door handles etc and changing your clothes. I would have thought you will be ok,. you may want to also do the laundry at a hotter temp - 60 degrees. The risk is probably less than things like supermarket trolleys, handrails and even coins, which are handled by all and never washed.

This is a tricky one. Apparently the virus can remain on clothing, toys etc (http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chickenpox/Pages/Prevention.aspx) so my concern would be that the parent might be carrying it, and although it's probably not hugely likely, if it were on their clothing, then they sat on a chair in your office, and the next person sat on it..... I'm not sure what I would do, to be honest, but it's always good to think of these possibilities in advance, instead of having to 'think on your feet' and make a decision as you had to do. I agree you're probably safe in seeing them, but having had the luxury of weighing it up in a hypothetical situation, I think I would ask parents to wait for the contagious period to be over, as suggested on the NHS site for flying, etc. I know the parents are out in the world anyway, in many situations, but since we deal so intimately with people and are working in the health field, it doesn't hurt to take the extra precautions.