Chicken Pox

[Mervs Mum]

Anyone know if I'm ok to be around someone who has been around a kid with chicken pox?

I've had it as a child so I'm assuming I am immune. My DD had it as a toddler and I was ok then.

Thanks!

 

[anita665]

I'm not 100% on this but I think it's ok as long as you've already had it.

 

[Charliepops]

Think you´re ok as long as you´ve already had it

 

[Ann-Marie]

Think you´re ok as long as you´ve already had it

yup yup

 

[buffycat]

this one really worries me......

i never had Chicken Pox as a child........and i know that adult Chicken Pox is even worse.....

 

[dizzle]

Unless you're immune-compromised - HIV or had a transplant, its virtually impossible to get it twice. Chicken pox or Shingles is very serious if you're pregnant so if you have't had it be careful.

 

[buffycat]

status now changed to paranoid!!!!!

 

[yumumleelou]

hope this helps... x x x
Firstly, if the mother has definitely had chicken-pox, there is no risk to the baby or her. In any case, even if she doesn't recall having had chicken pox, it is likely she has antibodies (80% do) from a silent (asymptomatic) infection. So if there's any doubt about it, she should see a doctor for a blood test to check if she's immune.
Risks to the baby are important at the following two times, if mum gets chicken-pox:
1. Before 20 weeks - risk of chicken pox syndrome. This is actually quite rare. Up until 14 weeks the risk is about 0.4%, whereas between 14-20 weeks it is 2%. If a woman has VZ-Ig treatment (see below) after being exposed, the risk is even lower.
2. Mum's rash developing within a week before delivery to a month afterwards. It takes about a week for mum to pass the protective antibodies to the baby, so if born before that time, the babe is at risk of overwhelming infection after birth.
Between 20 weeks and term there is no risk to the baby. The other big risk of chicken pox is to the mother. She is much more likely, during pregnancy, to get a chicken pox pneumonia (10%) which can be very severe (even life-threatening).
Getting Treatment...
In cases of 'at risk' exposure it is important to give Varicella-Zoster Ig ('man-made' antibodies) to mum and/or baby. This can be lifesaving and significantly reduce the disease severity. It must be given not later than 10 days after exposure.
Remember all of the above ONLY apply if at-risk - ie mum proven not to have antibodies. If in doubt, see your doctor who can do the blood test.
i would definatlely consider a blood test for antibodies x x

 

[Vickie]

I agree with the others, if you've had it as a child you are more than likely immune. I had it as a child but for whatever reason my GP still sent me to have the blood tests run before I became pregnant to make sure I was immune, and I am.

buffycat as long as you stay away from people/children with chicken pox you should be fine

 

[buffycat]

ooh, well am due at the docs on Tuesday, so i'll ask for an antibody test then - thanks for that !

 

[Mervs Mum]

Thanks girlies! xxx

 

[Vivanco]

Hi just wanted to say that you can have chicken pox more than once, my brother and sister have had it 3 times each!!! I had it as a child and when i was 16 weeks pregnant, as i struggled with the pregnancy and my immune system was compromised i ended up with shingles, which can be very harmful and affect development of the baby if the mother has it before 12 weeks, and the baby can be born with it if the mother has it at the end of the 3rd trimester. it is very painful, so i think prevention is better than cure and avoid contact wherever possible x x x

 

[Belle]

i've always been told that if ur in ur 1st tri u shoyuldnt be round any1 with chicken pox..... but i could be wrong!