Older Child Chicken Pox

Updated on April 06, 2008
S.P. asks from Solvang, CA
10 answers

My 10 year old has chicken pox and I was wondering if my 8 month old would get them. Do I have anything to worry about? What do you think?

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K.T.

answers from Los Angeles on

I was told by my doctor that if my child ( 5 months at the time) was exposed to the pox then she would either get them, or she wouldn't. He explained that a baby still has parts of the mothers defense system, that was carried in the sac, which could cause her to body to have those defenses still in her body...I was also breastfeeding as well.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

Hi S., I am sure your little one will get them. My daughter was a vaccinated and she still got them from 1 day spent with her cousin. They were very mild and only lasted about 4 - 5 days, but she did have them. Many households get them all at the same time, with little ones as young as yours in the house. Just don't let her scratch and watch her temp.

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E.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi S.,
Can I come to your house for a play date? :)
Good luck with this-I hope your kids aren't too miserable.

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M.M.

answers from Honolulu on

Hi S.,

Well, from experience of my little children, my 9 year old had the chicken pox and yes my 2 month old son caught it. It will happen eventually because of your touching, breathing and being near your child that has the chicken pox. So when you touch your 8 month old, it transfers over to the infant. No matter how much you clean yourself, it's in the air, breath and everywhere. All you can do is just follow the directions about the medication to treat each child. Your 10 year old can handle not scratching, but your 8 month child will be a challange. Good luck and not to worry.

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J.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

I'd call the pediatrician. He may be able to get the vaccine which would make the course of the chicken pox milder. Pneumonia is a big concern as well as infection in the pox. If your 10 year old develops a very phlegmy cough , obviously, take him to MD but also keep him isolated. Pneumonia is contagious and so are those pox !

Hope your kiddos are feeling better soon
J.

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K.D.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm guessing yes. When I had them oh so long ago in my youth my younger sister got her first pock at about 18 days after my first one poped out. Remember all of you can pass the virus so stay out of the public places. On the other hand I remember my Mom calling all of her friends who kids had not gotten them yet and there was a huge play day at our home, low and behold over the next month all of mt friends had the chicken pox. Aveno was a staple at bath time. Good luck and place socks over your 8 month olds hands if he does get them so he will not scratch his face. When your kids get over the pox wait a few months and have a blood drawto see if their levels are high enough so your 8 month old would not have to get the shot.

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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

From what I understand it is better to get the chicken pox as a young child than an adult. I don't know if 8mos is too young though. Probably call the Dr. and ask what they think.

Hope your 10yo is feeling better soon!
M.

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E.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Are you in the valley? I'd love for my daughter to contract chicken pox at an early age. We could meet in the park :)

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N.J.

answers from Los Angeles on

Doctor's typically give the vaccine at the one-year check up, so yes your little one will probably get it. I'd still call the doctor to see what types of treatment he recommends.

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

it is possible that the baby could get them. you treat them the same way but just be on the look out for him having a fever over 101.0 and if he doesnt want to eat. if the baby does get them also talk to his dr about and see if they recomend that he still be vaccinated for it. my daughter (who is a year old now) got chicken pox at 5mo. we have no idea where she was exposed to it (a grocery store most likely). she did just fine but she did get a fever of 102-103 durring the night and really didnt want to eat much. she was exposed to other kids and none of them got it at all. what i did to help her is tylenol for the fever, benadryl and chalomine lotion for the itching. but if the baby does get chicken pox deffinately talk to his dr. well i hope this helps you!

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