Chicken pox at 7 weeks old

[JellycatElfie]

Hi, baby had chicken pox courtesy of older sibling and don’t know if I should worry. How young do they have to be before the hospital would want to see them? He’s more sleepy but so was older sibling. No temps, feeding a bit less than usual but defo not dehydrated. Spots seem to be appearing by the minute. Thanks

DD had chicken pox when she was 6 weeks. She was very spotty and sleepy but completely fine. I did take her to the doctor to confirm it was chicken pox (although seeing as it was 2 weeks after DS had it it was quite obvious) but I didn’t really need to.

Does the number of spots matter? I am worried I will leave things and he gets poorly. Is it best to just keep him at home? The gp or hospital can’t do anything anyway can they? Would they give anti virals in a baby this young ?

NHS info in link, it says to tell GP if you suspect newborn has chickenpox. I'd give the surgery a call
www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/

Is he classed as newborn though? Or is almost 8 weeks different? I don’t know whether I’m being paranoid or not. I should say I work in a hospital so can easily take him in to work - but don’t want him around sick people if he doesn’t need to be.

I think it is worth calling because he's so little. They'll be able to reassure you/tell you any signs to look out for. As long as he's feeding well & doesn't seem too irritated there's he should be fine but it's natural to worry when they're very young.

I would see the GP. Any illness under 3 months is a bit riskier. You need to tel them you think it’s chickenpox when you call so they can isolate you when you get there so you’re not risking spreading germs in the waiting room though just in case there’s anyone pregnant/with immune issues. No doctor will have a problem with a mum of such a tiny baby wanting advice even for much more minor issues. They will be able to advise on what you should be looking out for to bring him back to the doctors.

it is also worth getting on their medical records for future. I didnt bother taking dd to gp because her brother had it 2 weeks before. This summer DD wanted to do Camp America and we spent a stressful few days and £60 and travel expenses getting blood tests to prove she had had CP, otherwise she needed the vaccine which was more expensive and she didnt have time for the full course

I think when children have chicken pox very young, they are greater risk of getting it again and also greater risk of shingles in childhood

Thanks for all the advice. I called my pharmacy as the gp was closed and they said call 111 who have asked me to go and be seen at the local hospital.

How did you get on at the hospital op?

Hi - they wanted to see him as under 8 weeks generally need paracetamol prescribing as it’s not licensed under 2 months and also because he has some spots near to his eyes. And also due to his age! He is fine :) feeding ok and still having wet nappies. We got calpol prescribed if he’s uncomfortable but hoping to sail through the next few days uneventfully. I can’t wait to see the back of chicken pox!!! Thanks for asking x

I'm glad to hear he is coping well with it, and no temp etc that must be a relief.