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Original poster

Newborn has chicken pox!!

35 replies

Spencer2 · 08/04/2023 13:45

Hi everyone

My 4 week old has unfortunately caught chicken pox from 2 yo ds. Ds was fine and despite having a fair few spots he recovered quickly and was fine within himself throughout.

Should I be worried that newborn has it? Shall I just monitor and keep close eye or should I really be getting him seen by gp?

OP posts:
EmptyEnvelope · 08/04/2023 13:46

At 4 weeks old, he 100% needs to see the GP

Choconuttolata · 08/04/2023 13:48

You need to phone 111 for advice

afterdropshock · 08/04/2023 13:54

Yes he is very vulnerable at that age. Get some proper advice.

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Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 08/04/2023 13:58

Usually if one has it mild the next has it worse. Definitely call NHS line

HiImTheProblemItsMe · 08/04/2023 13:59

Dc3 had it around 6 weeks old. He was absolutely fine - caught it from dc1. Dc3 had it much more mildly and didn't seem bothered by it at all. Definitely get advice but also don't panic!

Scottishskifun · 08/04/2023 14:01

DS2 had it at 3weeks despite being told initially by my GP I must be wrong because I had it before etc.

Agree you need to call 111 just in case as it will depend if they have a temperature etc. We were assessed by paediatrics who were happy that we stayed at home (was bf which played a part in this due to antibody levels passing across).
It can be very serious in newborns we were able to stay at home though, DS2 didn't get too much of a temperature Paediatrics did give us the volume of paracetamol we could administer but on the express caution if we went above 38 it was straight to the children's A&E

HappyValet · 08/04/2023 14:01

Yes you need a doctor. Phone 111 and they will send you to paediatrics.

My niece had chicken pox at 10 days old and was admitted for intravenous antivirals for 7 nights.

UnsureSchool32 · 08/04/2023 14:02

I wonder if a newborn can be given anti virals? If caught early enough - deffo phone 111

ForestofD · 08/04/2023 14:11

Are you breastfeeding op? When my older child gave it to my 4 week old baby, the Dr. said that because I was b/feeding and I had had chickenpox, baby would receive some protection from me.

But yes, contact Dr. as it can be serious.

CatOnTheChair · 08/04/2023 14:30

Contact the GP (or maybe out of hours or the health visitor given the number of bank holidays right now).
Make sure they know it is chicken pox if they invite you to an appointment somewhere - you shouldn't be going out and about with baby unless essential.

If breastfeeding try an keep going for the next couple of weeks - you will have antibodies.

yikesanotherbooboo · 08/04/2023 15:16

Your baby will be given antibodies to prevent serious illness so you absolutely need to speak to a doctor asap. Having said that, a serious infection is far from a given so take action but try not to worry.

cptartapp · 08/04/2023 15:24

DS2 caught CP at one week old from his two year old brother. The GP said he wouldn't as I was bf but he did, albeit a very mild dose. No one did anything!
He's now 18 and never had it again.

dew141 · 08/04/2023 15:26

My son had it at 6 weeks and was covered. I wouldn't say it's the medical emergency implied by some of these posts though.

Scottishskifun · 08/04/2023 15:45

dew141 · 08/04/2023 15:26

My son had it at 6 weeks and was covered. I wouldn't say it's the medical emergency implied by some of these posts though.

It very much depends on the baby and the mother tbh! If the mother has had chickenpox before and is bf then the liklihood of a serious infection is very slim and it often can be managed at home as long as baby is comfortable and doesn't have a fever.

But chickenpox in a newborn can cause very serious complications (its why they say to keep away from pregnant women) including meningitis hence its important for a Dr (often paediatrics) to assess the case.

As its Easter weekend the only choice is 111 or A&E really and a fever in a newborn the advice is always to seek medical help.

WhoLetTheSprogsOut · 08/04/2023 15:48

DS2 caught it at 12 weeks from toddler DS1 - DS2 had it far worse, his entire head was covered in spots, as well as the rest of him. GP couldn't have been less interested and told me I could give Nurofen alternated with Calpol if necessary 🤨🤨🤨. I read at the time that if they catch it under 6 months they may not develop immunity, particularly if they only have a mild case, but we've been around friends with active CP twice since then and not caught it fortunately.

WhoLetTheSprogsOut · 08/04/2023 15:49

Meant to say I was EBF too so that didn't seem to help much in our case!

Undervaluedandsad · 08/04/2023 15:52

My 6 week old had it. She was fine. Went on to get shingles aged 3-4 - also fine. Now a teenager and hasn’t caught either since.

MyDarlingClementine · 08/04/2023 17:10

6 months had it and was ebf. Doc said clever mummy bf she will be fine next day went floppy and temp soared.

I think it went to 42??

It was also during a heatwave.

Antibiotics worked quite quickly.

ThePoshUns · 08/04/2023 17:50

Sympathies Op. My son had it had 8 weeks and was plastered in spots. I did end up taking him to A&E at one point as was so worried. They did offer to keep him in but did say all they would do is give him paracetamol. They weighed him and advised what dosage he could have. I hope you're little one is ok but if you are worried seek help/ advice as it's a horrible infection.

gogohmm · 08/04/2023 18:16

Antibiotics do not work with chicken pox it's a virus, not sure if antivirals are available for a baby so young - but do call 111 for advice, they may suggest an out of hours gp, or just to watch and wait at home ... not all babies are that affected some get it mildly.

BogRollBOGOF · 08/04/2023 18:34

DS2 got it at 9 weeks after DS1 broke out with it when he was 7 weeks. He was EBFed and when I mentioned about the DS1 having it at DS2's 8 week check, the GP said that he was so young that he would probably be protected by my antibodies from birth plus breast milk. He did go spotty and had a couple of grouchy days with some Calpol and was otherwise fine. He's 10 now and hasn't had it since...

As ever, if there is concern, seek medical attention as young babies can go downhill quickly.

HappyValet · 08/04/2023 18:58

Depending on the severity of the spots and disruption to the skin they may give antibiotics to prevent any skin infection. It's anti virals they'd give to combat the actual chicken pox virus though. Both would be IV I think given the young age.

TwinkleStarWhatAre · 08/04/2023 19:18

My DS caught it at 5 weeks old from his older sister. I was EBF, and have had chicken pox before so I know that’s supposed to help but I was super stressed and worried.

He was fine. He got about 6 spots, only on his face and head and wasn’t too bothered about it.

His sister was absolutely covered and had a bit of a rough time. 9 months later she still has scars even without any scratching.

Ive heard if they get it so young they don’t build immunity so will get it again. Time will tell!

TwinkleStarWhatAre · 08/04/2023 19:19

He’s also had covid at 5 months, flu at 6 months, and god knows how many colds. His immune system must be rock solid now 😂

norbert23 · 08/04/2023 19:25

My newborn caught it from my 4 year old when he was 2 1/2 weeks, he was absolutely fine and seemed to sleep though most of it. He got a few big spots and scarred from one, we did have to see the GP in person though just so they could check him.