[ChesapeakeBorn]

Does anyone have experience with an infant getting chicken pox?

I am REALLY scared for my new little guy. My daughter came down with the chicken pox a few weeks ago and her spots just crusted over this past weekend. My son is 3.5 months old and is exclusively breastfed. But here is the problem: he will get no immunity from me because I am not immune! I have never had the pox, I did have the vaccine but a blood test last year came back as a negative titer (strangely enough, despite two MMR shots I am not immune to rubella either - I am just one of those weird people who doesn't convert).

I consulted Dr. Google and scared myself silly. The FDA says that "Mortality from varicella in the first year of life is 4 times higher than that in older children, but lower than mortality in immunocompromised children or normal adults". And I also read that all it takes is being in a room with someone who has them for 15 minutes!

Ahhhh! So what do I have coming to me?

 

[aniT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesapeakeBorn Does anyone have experience with an infant getting chicken pox? I am REALLY scared for my new little guy. My daughter came down with the chicken pox a few weeks ago and her spots just crusted over this past weekend. My son is 3.5 months old and is exclusively breastfed. But here is the problem: he will get no immunity from me because I am not immune! I have never had the pox, I did have the vaccine but a blood test last year came back as a negative titer (strangely enough, despite two MMR shots I am not immune to rubella either - I am just one of those weird people who doesn't convert). I consulted Dr. Google and scared myself silly. The FDA says that "Mortality from varicella in the first year of life is 4 times higher than that in older children, but lower than mortality in immunocompromised children or normal adults". And I also read that all it takes is being in a room with someone who has them for 15 minutes! Ahhhh! So what do I have coming to me?

You might wanna post a link in the vaccine forum directing them to this thread.

Someone can probably answer you better.. but I have read that those test for immunity aren't really reliable. Many people who are not supposed to be immune really are. I hope you do have some immunity to pass on to your lil one.

 

[Th1Th2]

I wouldn't worry about CP transmission to your LO. Having the antibodies against CP from natural exposure or vaccines does not correlate to immunity because the presence of antibodies will only suggest previous exposure from the disease. As long as your LO is healthy , then he is immuned. Moreover, during the time of your pregnancy, the passive transfer of your IgG to your baby would be beneficial to his health and immune system until your baby starts to produce his own and the rest of the antibodies which is usually about two to three months after birth. BF is the other route of passive Ig transfer. Good luck.

 

[lindberg99]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesapeakeBorn The FDA says that "Mortality from varicella in the first year of life is 4 times higher than that in older children, but lower than mortality in immunocompromised children or normal adults".

I've never had it either but want to tell you to just calm down. What is the mortality of chicken pox for older children? I looked it up and it is 1.4 in 100,000 (and this probably includes all children, immunocompromised, etc) Take that times 4 and that means an under-one year old death rate would maximally be 5.6 in 100,000 or 0.0056%. In other words, you baby has a 99.994% chance of coming through it fine.

Dr. Sears only mentions calling the doctor if your baby is younger than 2 months old when he gets chicken pox. http://askdrsears.com/html/8/t083400.asp

So I would quit searching the internet...I'm sure your little one will be fine!

 

[ChesapeakeBorn]

Whew. I'm feeling a little better. Thanks guys.

The plot thickens - 3 other children at DD school supposedly had the chicken pox, but it turns out they have some mystery virus that is similar. The doctors cultured it and they can't figure out what it is. It is quite possible that that is what my daughter had as well.

Hopefully DS and I don't get it!

 

[Rosehip]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChesapeakeBorn Whew. I'm feeling a little better. Thanks guys. The plot thickens - 3 other children at DD school supposedly had the chicken pox, but it turns out they have some mystery virus that is similar. The doctors cultured it and they can't figure out what it is. It is quite possible that that is what my daughter had as well. Hopefully DS and I don't get it!

Curiouser and curiouser...hope you all stay well!

 

[anyalily]

Also, I think that if you are attentive to your little sickies and get professional help for them if they need it, keep them hydrated, nurse, watch out for their eyes, etc. their chances of coming through fine are even better. Those figures account for all babies, regardless of their health status, level or care and attention.

 

[ChesapeakeBorn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anyalily Also, I think that if you are attentive to your little sickies and get professional help for them if they need it, keep them hydrated, nurse, watch out for their eyes, etc. their chances of coming through fine are even better. Those figures account for all babies, regardless of their health status, level or care and attention.

That's a very good point!