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Is Shingles Contagious?
Question: My 6.5 mo girl was exposed to my dad who had varicella zoster, though he picked her up before the outbreak of shingles, is she susceptible to catch the infection? Varicella shot cn b given only after 12 mnths. What to do to protect her? Im very scared as she sat in same bed n sofa as his. Can the virus be transmitted through clothes and linen he used?
Brief Answer:
Do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
I understand your concerns. Although there is a chance of spread of zoster virus to your baby by airborne route or direct contact, there is no need to worry. This virus is seemingly harmless in this age group and gives lifetime immunity by mild clinical manifestation. It may cause some spikes of fever and skin eruptions which improve within a week in most cases. Give acetaminophen for fever if it occurs.
Although immunoglobulins and antiviral medications are available for such exposure, it's not needed for mild cases. In rare case, if the condition worsens then you may visit your pediatrician for complete examination and treatment ( antiviarals) accordingly.
Hopefully this will help you. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM
I understand your concerns. Although there is a chance of spread of zoster virus to your baby by airborne route or direct contact, there is no need to worry. This virus is seemingly harmless in this age group and gives lifetime immunity by mild clinical manifestation. It may cause some spikes of fever and skin eruptions which improve within a week in most cases. Give acetaminophen for fever if it occurs.
Although immunoglobulins and antiviral medications are available for such exposure, it's not needed for mild cases. In rare case, if the condition worsens then you may visit your pediatrician for complete examination and treatment ( antiviarals) accordingly.
Hopefully this will help you. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much doctor. However, I would like to know the approximate incubation period for any symptoms to occur, as in for how many days or weeks should I be cautious and look for signs? Are there any specific symptoms that I should wait and watch for?
Brief Answer:
Usually manifest in 14-16 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Symptoms of chicken pox (due to zoster infection) usually occur after 14-16 days of exposure. Incubation period range from 10-21 days.
The symptoms in infants can be fever, lethargy, poor appetite, irritability and skin rashes. Skin rashes (erythematus macules followed by clear fluid filled papules) usually start from head and trunk and spread to rest of the body thereafter. Most infants show very mild manifestations which resolve within a week.
Hopefully this will be of help.
Take care
Usually manifest in 14-16 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Symptoms of chicken pox (due to zoster infection) usually occur after 14-16 days of exposure. Incubation period range from 10-21 days.
The symptoms in infants can be fever, lethargy, poor appetite, irritability and skin rashes. Skin rashes (erythematus macules followed by clear fluid filled papules) usually start from head and trunk and spread to rest of the body thereafter. Most infants show very mild manifestations which resolve within a week.
Hopefully this will be of help.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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