Chicken Pox, Aciclovir spread & holiday timeline.

[ThatOliveMember]

4yo started with chicken pox on Sunday (one spot noticed at bed time) and was fully out in a rash on Tuesday. He had one vaccine on Monday. We now know this was probably too late. He started aciclovir on Tuesday due to lesions in his mouth, ears and genitals. No new spots since Tuesday evening.

We have a 9mo who currently shows no symptoms and is EBF plus weaning. We have been prescribed aciclovir from today as prophylactic (Wednesday) but it still needs collecting.

We have really limited contact between the children from Monday onwards.

Does anybody have experience with aciclovir helping a sibling? We are due to fly on holiday in 12 days. Will cancel if required but decision will have to be made last minute if 9mo becomes spotty as 4yo will be well clear by then, aware we need a fit to fly if he still has scabs. Any advice or experience really appreciated.

Just curious, but why has the GP prescribed aciclovir for the baby. It’s a bit unusual so wondering if there are any underlying conditions.

Incubation period for chicken pox is around d three weeks, and you can still be infectious even with no symptoms. So baby has likely been exposed and (ignoring the aciclovir) will probably come out in spots within the next two weeks, which is not ideal for planning your holiday. Sorry OP, sounds stressful.

Chickenpox is very, very infectious. If a medical professional has prescribed acyclovir, I would want to discuss whether or not to administer it to the little one with them, rather them parents online IYSWIM. I think this is above Mumsnet's paygrade.

Very much so stress-wise!

Sorry, maybe it wasn’t clear. It’s been thoroughly discussed with the GP, just looking for first hand experiences of it working to support second sibling no catching or getting a milder form.

I think 9 months is too young for the chicken pox vaccine but have you looked into it? If given early enough, it won’t stop the outbreak but may help it to be mild.

Yes we looked into it. They were willing to give it privately (as you’re probably aware it’s usually 12mo) but said it wouldn’t be as effective as aciclovir due to him being past the 3 days of initial exposure.

Yes aciclovir post-exposure prophylaxis works for children in most cases https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8393173/

In 25 children who did NOT get aciclovir after exposure to a sibling or relative with chickenpox, all developed chickenpox. 17 had a fever.

In 25 children who DID get aciclovir, 4 got chickenpox. 1 had a fever.

It's the only study I could find, but I think it has useful info for parents in your situation.

Thank you so much, you’ve rested my mind somewhat!