Can Shingles in Grandparents Affect a 5-Month-Old Baby?

Shingles

Hello, doctor.
My friend's child is currently 5 months old, but it seems that the child's grandmother may have shingles.
Will this affect the baby’s risk of infection?

Niming, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/15

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the nerve ganglia after a previous chickenpox infection and can reactivate when the immune system is weakened.
Since it is essentially caused by the chickenpox virus, there is a possibility of infecting infants as young as 5 months who have not yet received the chickenpox vaccine.
It is advisable to isolate the patient.
Additionally, the incubation period for chickenpox can last up to three weeks, so it is important to monitor the infant's condition closely.

Reply Date: 2017/07/15

More Info

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone has shingles, they can develop a painful rash, and the virus can be spread to individuals who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it. This transmission occurs through direct contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters.

In the case of a 5-month-old baby, the risk of infection from a grandparent with shingles is a valid concern. Infants, especially those under one year of age, have immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. However, the transmission of the virus from shingles is not as straightforward as it is with chickenpox. A baby can only contract chickenpox if they come into direct contact with the shingles rash. If the grandparent's shingles rash is covered and there is no direct contact, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced.

It is important to note that if the grandparent has shingles, they should take precautions to avoid contact with the baby, especially if the rash is active. This includes keeping the rash covered, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact until the rash has crusted over, which typically takes about 7 to 10 days. If the baby has not had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated against it, it is advisable to monitor for any signs of illness, such as fever, rash, or unusual behavior.

In addition, if the grandparent is experiencing shingles, it is a good idea for them to consult with a healthcare provider. They may be prescribed antiviral medications that can help reduce the severity and duration of the shingles outbreak, as well as decrease the risk of transmission.

For the parents of the 5-month-old, it is also wise to consult with their pediatrician for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns regarding the baby's health and potential exposure to shingles. The pediatrician may recommend monitoring the baby closely for any symptoms and may provide guidance on vaccination options for the future.

In summary, while shingles in a grandparent can pose a risk to a 5-month-old baby, the risk of transmission can be minimized through proper precautions. It is essential for the grandparent to manage their shingles outbreak carefully and for the parents to stay vigilant about their baby's health. If there are any concerns or symptoms arise, seeking medical advice promptly is crucial.

Similar Q&A

Can My Husband Bottle Feed Our Baby While Having Shingles?

Hello Doctor: My husband has recently been very fatigued and has developed shingles (with blisters on his eyelid that have burst and scabs on his forehead). He has already seen a dermatologist for treatment. We have a 3.5-month-old baby at home, and currently, we are feeding her ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Isolation is necessary. The 3.5-month-old infant has not yet received vaccinations and only has antibodies from the mother, which may not be sufficient.

Impact of Shingles on Fetal Development in Early Pregnancy

Hello doctor, may I ask if contracting shingles in the early stages of pregnancy will affect the fetus? Thank you.

Dr. Zhong Wenzhen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
The impact of a shingles infection during early pregnancy on the fetus is minimal; however, the occurrence of genital herpes at the time of full-term delivery poses a higher risk of neonatal infection.

Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Effects, and Vision Concerns

Hello, my grandfather has swelling near his nose. A dermatologist diagnosed it as shingles, but my grandfather does not experience any pain or itching. Could this be related to shingles? Additionally, there is also shingles under his eyelid. Could this potentially affect his visi...

Dr. Yang Zhiya reply Dermatology
Early-stage herpes zoster can be difficult to diagnose, and some individuals may not experience any neuralgic pain or itching symptoms at all. Lesions located on the tip of the nose are more likely to affect the eyes. If there are any changes in vision, it is advisable to seek ev...

Understanding Shingles in Young Children: Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. Last Friday, I noticed a rash on my son's (3.5 years old) inner thigh. At first, I didn't think much of it and decided to observe. However, the next day, the rash began to increase slowly, concentrating on the upper left thigh. It felt rough to the touch,...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Based on your description, if it is confirmed to be shingles, the physician's management is entirely reasonable. Shingles typically has a peak period around 3 to 5 days after onset, and generally begins to dry and crust over after about 7 days. Antiviral medications are inte...