Can a Baby Catch Shingles?

The Varicella zoster virus, or VZV, is a herpes virus that can cause the diseases known as varicella (chickenpox) and zoster (shingles). After suffering from chickenpox, VZV can lie dormant and reoccur as shingles. A person has to have chickenpox first before contracting shingles is possible. In addition, a person of any age can contract shingles. Shingles causes a painful rash on the skin and can cause skin to become inflamed and blistered.

Who Is at Risk

The age group most commonly at risk for shingles is people past the age of 50. Other age groups that are at risk for catching shingles are both the young and pregnant women. People under immense stress or with immune system deficiencies are also susceptible. Immune deficiencies can arise in people with HIV.

Contagious Disease

Children can catch VZV from someone who has shingles. However, if the child has not had chickenpox, and he is exposed to VZV, he will first contract chickenpox and not shingles. If children have already had chickenpox, they cannot contract shingles from someone suffering from the disease.

Vaccinations

In May 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zostavax as a vaccine for shingles. Zostavax is only for use in adults. The Varicella vaccine, which became available in 1995, is given to children in two doses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the Varicella vaccine stops chickenpox from occurring in 70 percent to 90 percent of people who receive the vaccine.

Shingles Medicine

There are medicines that help limit shingles outbreaks. Acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) are medicines that are used to help treat shingles. These medicines can be taken orally, but are not recommended for children with chickenpox.

Side Effects

Shingles, although rare, can cause many side effects. Shingles can lead to pneumonia and hearing problems. If shingles forms around the eye area, blindness can occur. In extreme cases, shingles has resulted in death.