How early can a baby get chicken pox

Chicken Pox: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

It used to be that getting chicken pox was a normal yet very uncomfortable part of growing up, but luckily that no longer has to be the case. Early immunization can help prevent your baby or toddler from contracting the virus. If your little one does get chicken pox, there are steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms. If you are pregnant and have not yet had chicken pox or the varicella vaccine, keep reading to learn more about your treatment options should you catch the virus and how you can help protect both yourself and your baby.

What Is Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox, also known as varicella, is a contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It usually doesn't cause serious illness in children, but it can result in complications like pneumonia in adults. The incubation period for chicken pox is between 14 and 16 days after exposure, so you may not know that you or your child has the virus until symptoms appear.

There are two ways to become immune to the virus:

1. Getting the chicken pox vaccine

2. Having had chicken pox

If you've already had chicken pox, you will likely be immune to it for the rest of your life.

Chicken Pox Symptoms

Signs of chicken pox may include:

• An itchy, blistery rash that can eventually cover most of the body. The rash consists of fluid-filled blisters called vesicles that normally crust over before healing. If the blisters are scratched, they may become tiny sores that could leave scars.

• Mild fever

• Loss of appetite

• Tiredness

• Headache

When Is Chicken Pox Contagious?

Chicken pox is highly contagious, and the infectious period starts a few days before the rash appears and may last until 24 hours after all the blisters have dried up and crusted over. If your little one gets chicken pox, it's best to keep them home during this period to avoid spreading the infection to others.

It’s also a good idea to inform your healthcare provider immediately and alert other parents whose children your child may have come in contact with during the contagious period.

As is true for other childhood illnesses, chicken pox will usually clear up after about a week or 10 days.

Chicken Pox Treatment

Check with your healthcare provider about the best treatment for your baby and for advice on medications and dosages. Call your healthcare provider right away if your child develops a skin infection, has trouble breathing, or has a temperature higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken pox is very itchy, uncomfortable, and challenging for kids of any age. These are some ways to treat your child's discomfort and help promote healing during an outbreak:

• Trim your little one's fingernails and discourage scratching by having them wear mittens, especially at bedtime.

• Keep your baby cool, as heat and sweat will make them want to scratch the rash even more. Consider placing cool, moistened washcloths over the worst affected areas.

• Give your baby daily baths [https://www.pampers.com/en-us/guides-and-downloadables/developing-a-bath-time-routine], especially oatmeal bath treatments (available at most pharmacies). This also helps prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Pat your baby dry, as rubbing can further irritate the rash.

• Use an anti-itch cream.

• Antihistamines can also help ease the discomfort.

• Acetaminophen can help reduce fever if present. (Do not give your baby or child aspirin, which can harm children.)

Preventing Chicken Pox in Toddlers, Kids, and Adults

Avoid contact with anyone infected with chicken pox and/or shingles, which is another infection caused by the chicken pox virus. The virus can spread by touching an infected person's rash or even through the air when that person coughs or sneezes. Most children with a sibling who has chicken pox will also eventually get the infection if they haven't already been vaccinated. Early toddlerhood is the first opportunity to get your child vaccinated, usually afteryour baby turns 12 months old.

If you (or your partner) have never had chicken pox or the vaccine, you could be at high risk of contracting the disease, especially if you work in healthcare or child care, serve in the military, or travel frequently. You, too, should consider getting the vaccinations administered four to eight weeks apart. If you aren't sure you've had chicken pox, a simple blood test through your provider can determine whether you're immune.

Chicken Pox in Infants

Chicken pox is usually a mild disease, but it can be serious in babies under 12 months, especially if born prematurely or with a compromised immune system.

If you, as the parent, have had chicken pox during your life, your baby will be immune to the virus for the first few months after birth.

If your infant is less than a year old and contracts chicken pox, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Chicken Pox During Pregnancy

If you haven't had the virus yet and haven’t received the vaccination, you may be at risk of contracting chicken pox during pregnancy and passing it on to your baby.

If you contract chicken pox in the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, there is a small chance of your baby getting congenital varicella syndrome. In this case, your baby may be born with scarring or low birth weight or have other serious complications.

If you contract the virus between five days before birth and two days after birth, your newborn can contract neonatal varicella. The symptoms of this condition include a severe rash, which needs treatment immediately.

If you haven't had chicken pox yet, the best way to guard yourself and your baby against the infection is to get vaccinated before trying to get pregnant. Or, if you're due to give birth soon, your provider may advise you to get your vaccination after your baby is born, before the two of you leave the hospital.

If you see signs of chicken pox during your pregnancy, contact your provider immediately to protect you and your baby. This may include an antiviral prescription for you. Your provider will know how to get ahead of the virus to help ensure your newborn will grow and develop without setbacks.

Chicken Pox Vaccine: The Best Safeguard

To guard your toddler against chicken pox, follow the vaccination schedule your healthcare provider recommends. The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months with a booster shot between the ages of 4 and 6. Check out our article for advice on how to help your child deal with getting a shot.

In rare instances, the chicken pox vaccine can cause side effects like redness or discomfort around the injection site. These typically disappear in a matter of days. Talk to your provider to find out when to schedule your baby’s immunizations, and mention if you have any concerns about the vaccine or if your baby has had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past. Vaccinations are the most effective safeguard against childhood diseases.

The Bottom Line

The good news is that the chicken pox vaccine has made this virus preventable. But in the rare case your child does get the virus, it's good to know how to make them comfortable and to treat those symptoms to the best of your abilities. If any complications arise, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact your provider for guidance. It won't be long until your baby is back to being the picture of health.

Learn more about the most common baby rashes, and find out what you can do to treat them.

To start earning rewards on every Pampers product you purchase, download the Pampers Rewards app.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}

Chickenpox in babies and children

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What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox (also known as varicella) is generally a mild viral illness in children and babies that causes an itchy, red, blistering rash. Although common in children, the virus can affect anyone at any age. Chickenpox is closely related to shingles, and both conditions are caused by the varicella zoster virus.

Healthy children usually recover quickly and completely from chickenpox, but doctors do consider chickenpox serious since it can trigger other health issues.

What are the symptoms of chickenpox?

If your baby or child has chickenpox, they will have an itchy, red rash all over their body. The rash will turn into blisters with fluid inside which, over time, will pop and form a crusty surface. Your child may also feel generally unwell with a headache, sore throat or fever. An infected child is most likely to show symptoms 2 weeks after they catch the virus. These symptoms will continue for approximately 10 to 21 days.

Is chickenpox contagious?

Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads quickly in places such as childcare facilities, playgrounds and at home. The virus can be spread in 2 ways:

1. Through contact with the fluid in an infected person’s chickenpox blisters.
2. Through the sneeze and cough droplets of an infected person which travel through the air.

An infected child is contagious for between 1 and 2 days before the rash appears until all of their blisters have scabbed over. This process may take 5 to 10 days.

Does my child need to see a doctor?

If you think your child has chickenpox, take them to see a doctor. Your doctor can usually diagnose chickenpox simply by looking at the rash. However, they can also test the fluid from your child’s blisters to confirm the presence of the varicella zoster virus. Your doctor will also tell you when your child is no longer contagious and when it is safe for them to go back to school and play with friends.

How can I reduce the chance my child will get chickenpox?

The best protection against chickenpox you can give your child is through immunisation. This will prevent most children from getting chickenpox. A minority of vaccinated children will still catch the virus, but they will have a much milder form and are less likely to have complications.

Immunisation will also help prevent your child from catching shingles when they get older.

Australian medical guidelines recommend that children between the ages of 12 months and 14 years have at least one dose of chickenpox vaccine, ideally at 18 months of age. A second dose at least 4 weeks later can provide extra protection against the virus.

Read more

Immunisation and vaccinations for your child

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children against certain diseases. Discover more about childhood vaccinations.

What other precautions can I take?

Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads quickly through households, schools and childcare centres, so it’s important to take care to limit the spread.

If your child has chickenpox, there are precautions you can take to reduce the chance of spread to other members of your family, as well as to classmates and friends. A child with chickenpox should stay at home from school or childcare until they are no longer infectious. Hand hygiene is important for all members of the household, and if they are old enough, children should be taught to cover their sneezes and coughs, placing tissues straight into the rubbish bin.

It is especially important to keep a contagious child away from pregnant women because during pregnancy, chickenpox can be serious for both the mother and the baby.

How should I care for my child at home?

In most cases, a baby or child with chickenpox won’t need any medicines. However, if they are feeling itchy or feverish, try these approaches to help to relieve pain or discomfort:

• Sorbolene cream, or a similar soothing lotion, helps to relieve itchiness.
• Bathing your child in lukewarm water with oatmeal or baking soda can also relieve itchiness.
• Paracetamol may help to reduce a child’s fever.
• Your child may feel weak and need to rest more than usual.

If your child is feeling unwell or has a more serious case of chickenpox speak with your child’s doctor for specific advice.

How serious is chickenpox?

While most children experience mild symptoms, some cases can result in complications or hospitalisation because of infection with the chickenpox virus. Every year, 800 babies and children under the age of 5 are admitted to hospital with serious cases of chickenpox.

Adults, adolescents and pregnant women are more likely to experience a serious case of chickenpox, and people with immune system disorders should take particular care to avoid exposure — especially if they are unvaccinated.

Serious complications of chickenpox include inflammation in and around the brain (cerebellitis, meningitis or encephalitis).

To locate a health service where you can have your child vaccinated, visit our Service Finder tool.

Are you pregnant or planning a pregnancy?
Learn more about how chickenpox during pregnancy can affect you and your baby.

Sources:

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: March 2021

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Related pages

• Chickenpox and pregnancy
• Immunisation and vaccinations for your child
• Vaccinations guide

Need more information?

Chickenpox in children and teenagers | Raising Children Network

Chickenpox appears as red spots that turn into blisters. It’s contagious but no longer common. See your GP if you think your child might have chickenpox.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website