Chickenpox

Relax...babies' nervous systems will cope better w/ Chickenpox. It might take up to 21 days for the symptoms to appear.
My daughter (20) was exposed countless times as an infant, and throughout preschool years, etc. She was 11 yrs old when she finally came down w/ Chickenpox. She had them in the Winter, which I was told was unusual.
Good Luck...

My baby was exposed and had the pox at 6 months old. It was a challenge but he made it through just fine. My kids have never had a cold, or an ear ache or any illness. So the pneumonia possibility never crossed my mind. :) We just needed to get through the itchiness.
Good Luck!
C.

R.,

My son was exposed when he was seven months old and broke out with the chickenpox shortly after. Call your pediatrician she/he will recommend the medication needed to help the itching and keep the temp under control.

Your baby may be uncomfortable, especially if the breakout is in diaper area. You will need to keep him as dry as possible.

Here's some info which may be useful:

Date of exposure ______________________________
Chicken Pox (Varicella)

What is it?
Chicken pox is a common illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes a mild fever, and an itchy skin rash (pox) of small red bumps that blister, ooze, and then crust over. The rash often starts on the abdomen, chest and back, and then spreads to the face and limbs. some people may show only a few pox, and others may be covered with lesions. The illness usually lasts for 5-7 days.

Although chicken pox is usually a mild illness for children, it can be more severe for young infants, adolescents and adults. In addition, chicken pox can be a life threatening illness for people with immune problems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer chemotherapy, organ transplant, taking steroid medication). If a pregnant woman catches chicken pox, it can infect the fetus and cause abnormalities of the limbs, eyes and nervous system, or newborn chicken pox which can be fatal.

How is it spread?
Chicken pox is very contagious. It is a respiratory disease that is spread by contact with nasal mucus and saliva. it can be spread by coughing and sneezing, kissing on the lips and sharing food, eating utensils and mouthed toys. It is also spread by touching your hands to your nose and mouth, reusing tissues, and forgetting to wash your hands after blowing noses. It spreads most easily in crowded and poorly ventilated rooms. Rarely, it can also be spread from contact with the oozing skin lesions.

When is it contagious?
Chicken pox is contagious from 2 days before the rash appears until 5 days after the start of the rash. In milder cases, the contagious period may end sooner, around the time that the pox scab over. After exposure to chicken pox, it usually takes 11-14 days (up to 21 days) to develop the illness.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
Chicken pox is diagnosed by the distinctive rash. If you call the child's health provider and describe the rash, they usually do not recommend taking the child to the clinic and risking spreading the illness to others. Usually, no treatment is needed for chicken pox other than good nutrition, plenty of liquids to drink, and rest. Children who are itchy can be bathed in water with baking soda or an oatmeal preparation, and treated with skin lotions (e.g., calamine) and antihistamine medications to relieve the itching. Children who are uncomfortable with fever may be given acetaminophen - never give aspirin since it can cause a fatal condition called Reye Syndrome.

People with immune problems and pregnant women exposed to chicken pox should consult their health provider immediately. They may be given anti viral and/or immune treatment to prevent severe complications.

Should the child stay home?
A child with chicken pox should stay home until 6 days after the start of the skin rash or when all the skin lesions are scabbed over, whichever is earlier.

How can we limit the spread?

Cough and sneeze into your elbow and away from people.
Wipe runny noses with a clean tissue, throw the tissue away, then wash your hands.
Don't share food, pacifiers, bottles, or toothbrushes. Wash eating utensils and drinking cups well between uses.
Clean and disinfect mouthed toys and dining tables after each use. Clean and disinfect water fountains, telephone receivers, and other frequently handled items daily.
don't kiss children on the mouth.
Maximize outdoor play and indoor ventilation.
Avoid touching the chicken pox lesions. Wash hands well after contact.
Avoid exposing pregnant women and people with immune problems to chicken pox.
Discuss with your health provider the new vaccine that has been developed to protect against chicken pox.
Links to check our for more information Child Care Healthline www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org
Calif. Dept. of Social Services www.ccld.ca.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov
American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
National Institute of Health

Blessings....

Like you've already discovered, children are most contagious before any sypmtoms appear (as it is with most illness) so all you can do is wait and see. I personally did not have that experience with my children, but my friend did. Her daughter had the chicken pox around 8 months or so, and faired really well. Obviously staying in touch with your ped throughout the process is key, but keeping your little one comfortable with soothing baths of baking soda or calming cremes, as well as managing any fever with tylenol. Itching will probably be the most annoying symptom for her and for you, so anything that you can do to keep her comfy. Keeping her cool in the heat will help, and loose fitting clothes.
Good luck!!!

Greetings R.: Whe my first 3 were young they were all exposed to chicken pox and they were 5, 3 & 16 months. They got it from a family that came to church with out knowing thier children had it until to late.
Of course they did not break out all at the same time no they had it one at a time- just about the time one was clearing up and I thought we were in the clear # 2 broke out and then #3- oh I didn't mention that #1 broke out with a mild case for a second time!! I believe we had them for about 2 months in total.
So just in case stock up with otter pops, juice bars and juice-- plenty of reading or needle work for you and sleep on the days that your husband is off duty.
That way you can all keep your spirits up and get through it. Nana G

My daughter got Chicken Pox from her cousin when she was only 3 1/2 months old! We were visitng my sister and her boy had this odd "rash"...he never really broke out fully, which is why we didn't know it was Chicken Pox until my daughter came down with it exactly 2 weeks later.

Because my daughter was SO little, we called the Pediatrician who sent us to the on-call Ped for an anti-viral medication because they don't like infants to get Chicken Pox. I suggest you call your Pediatrician and talk to the nurse and then keep a very close eye on your little one. In my experience, the breakout happens exactly 14 days after exposure.

just keep calm... Chicken pox is not deadly or too terrible (a rash and some fever) this is nothing that can't be controled... if it happens it happens... no matter what you do... don't vaccinate her, because if she is already sick then it will make things worse because of the double exposure!!!

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If I had known this ...I would have never had them vaccinated!!! I will take measels or chicken pox over AUTISM anytime!!! I can live with a child that has a rash and a bit of fever for a few days... But instead I am now living with AUTISM!!! a long life disability!!!

Love, G.. :0)
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"I know of nobody who is purely Autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some Autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin." ~ Jerry Newport

Hi mama ~ just wanted to share the experience of when my 9 month old son got the chicken pox. My three sons all had it at the same time ~ my oldest was 12 (he had it first), then my baby boy and four yr old had it.

The baby did really well since he could not scratch the pox ~ I just made sure that he was comfortable by putting anti -itch lotion on him and baby tylenol. The major part was over in 3 days, then it was healing time. He does not have any scars and now he is immune for life!

As a side note, my oldest son was given the chicken pox vaccine when he was 2 ~ so the vaccine is not lasting protection! Pox is more dangerous to adults than kids.

HTH!

R.,

The good part about chicken pox when you're really young is I understand the itching is less bothersome; so at least this is some good news if she gets it. Also, it's good to get it behind you as one day she's likely to have it (indeed, it is super contageous), so why not sooner? That said, I can understand your concern about her having it at such a young age. Incubation is up to 19 days, and also it's contageous up to 5 days after the breakouts, until they dry up. I know, as we had to cancel a planned vacation as the pediatrician wouldn't allow us to fly!

If she gets sick she'll probably start with fever, then soon after break out. Look for break outs on the head (scalp)which is a sure sign! Whatever you do, DON'T give her an Ibuprofen based medication, as there are contra-indications with chicken pox. For fever, just use your regular fever medicine, normally paracetamol. Plus, it would be good to have on hand a cream/lotion you can put on the breakouts that will help with the itching. Though if she does get sick, do go see the doctor asap! Just in case it happens on the weekend though, it's always good to be prepared. Other than the cream, we were also prescribed an oral medication to help with itching and a special soap for the bath. If you think there's a chance she'll get it, just be prepared. Then, like any other illness, keep her as comfortable as possible while she's sick.

Call your pediatrician. I think there's some kind of shot they can give kids that will lessen the severity of symptoms. Esp since you know of exposure in advance. The Vaccine Book mentions it.

Best of luck!
-C.

My second daughter came down with chicken pox two weeks TO THE HOUR (!) after her older sister. She was only 6 months old and did have a worse case than her sister. I believe she had it worse because of the extreme exposure she had to her sister. Your daughter had less of an exposure at the playdate, so may get a milder case. My daughter was itchy, but we got through it without too much difficulty. My son (the youngest) got the chicken pox immunization, but I wish he'd been able to have actual chicken pox!

Dear R.,
Try not to stress about it. If your little one does indeed get chicken pox, I'm sure she'll be just fine. Babies usually actually weather it better than older kids, and heaven forbid, adults.
I've known moms who've literally taken their babies and little kids to be exposed if someone they knew had them in hopes of just getting it out of the way. I also had a friend with 4 kids...only two of them got chicken pox and they all lived in the same house.
Your baby may or may not even get it. If she does, just keep her comfortable until she clears up.

Best wishes!

My oldest daughter got chicken pox, then the second and then the third who was only about 8 months old. They all survived, but it seemed that as it went through he family each one got it a little bit worse. The baby was not fun because of the diaper and trying to keep he bottom dry which seemed to help a lot. I was just glad that they did not have the shots then for it. I feel the kids are safer just getting
the childhood diseases than trying to immunize against them. Good luck--you will all probably be just fine.

What we always heard years ago was to be sure to keep the child warm enough to insure that the pox really popped out and got out of the system. I haven't heard whether science has disproven that theory or not. However I do know that taking care of the child with pox is important because there are some secondary conditions that can occur if you don't. Now, having said that at risk of scaring you even more, I will say that I agree with the others who have basically told you it isn't all that big a deal. Some kids do get sick (flu-like symptoms) with them and others seem to sail through without much trouble. Some get a lot of rash and on all parts of the body while others only get a few spots. Just be ready to spend several days concentrating on getting your child well if she gets them, and all should be fine.

R.,
When my daughter was 4 and in preschool, her daddy of all people got the pox from the kids at school. Needless to say all three of them were in bed with them. My hubby, my 4 year old, and my 6month old. The baby only got about 20 pox and did just fine. It never even phased her. Recovery took about a week to ten days and all was well again.
W. M.

Hello, R.,

First, as a mother of five... been through the chickenpox, TWICE.
First, don't worry too much. If your 8 month old is healthy otherwise, the risk of pneumonia is very rare.
As far as treatment goes. All you can do is treat the symptoms... childrens tylinol.. (NO ASPRIN), oatmeal soap, and believe it or not.... exposure to sunlight stops the itch.Lucky for you... that's going around these days! =-)
Hope that helps. And remeber... LOTS of kids have gone through chickenpox,... just fine. Try not to worry too much.
Have a great day.