Chicken pox and newborn

[Willow4987]

I’ve just had a message from my 18 month olds nursery to say there’s some cases of chicken pox. He only goes once a week but I’ve got an 11 day old newborn at home too

I’m not sure whether to keep him off nursery to stop it getting to the newborn or how long to do this for?

its tricky as the incubation period is two weeks so he may or not have it. In the meantime other children will get it as its very infections. If he only goes once a week you could keep him off until the baby gets a bit bigger but could be weeks

When was he last in? Chances are he has already been exposed!

He was in on Friday. We got the message yesterday so I’m assuming some of the children had it last week

It’s tough as he only goes once a week and really enjoys it, plus I’ve had a c section so could do with having that 1 days break from 2 little ones

But I obviously don’t want the newborn to get it

Chances are already exposed. Newborn will still have your antibodies. Keep an eye out for any spots appearing. My kids had at 2.5 and my baby straight after at 12 weeks.

Have a look at vaccination for your eldest. I think it's supposed to work post exposure.

This happened to me (my parents,in their wisdom) took my 3yo around to a neighbour’s who’s kids had CP whilst I was in hospital giving birth to my DS.

DD came out in spots when DS was 14 days old. I rang the hosp and they said not to worry, DS would have residual immunity from the placenta (he wasn’t BF). He got a few spots, we don’t know if he’s immune now or if he might get it again,

The hard bit TBH (once I’d calmed down about my parents’ stupidity) was looking after an itchy 3yo with a new born. To their credit my parents took my DD and cared for her until she was better.

Fingers crossed both your little ones will be fine

I messaged nursery who basically said to still send him as he’s already been in contact with the children that have it so is likely to already have picked it up

I’m just not sure. DH wants to keep him home this week and maybe until the baby is 4 weeks old!

Half of me thinks just send him as he’s already been in contact but then the other half doesn’t want to risk it with the baby

Maybe I’ll keep him home this week and speak to the GP to see what they say

2 year old had it very badly, baby had six spots and did not stop feeding. As they said he is already in contact with others so if he gets it baby will be exposed anyway.