Host of family party has flu; still go with a kid?

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand when people say “we’ve got XYZ [insert highly communicable and potentially dangerous disease here] but the party is still on!”

I get that they’re giving everyone a “choice”....but it’s a loaded one. You’re still saddled with the guilt factor, particularly if others still go. Which, BTW, I would personally never do in your case when it’s the flu and you have a small child. Don’t go and don’t think twice about it. Send DH’s aunt a lovely bouquet and wish her good health in the new year.

[Anonymous]

Nooooooooo

[Anonymous]

Hell no.

[Anonymous]

The flu can be really serious. I can't imagine taking that risk for an 18 month old.

Even if aunt has cleaned and stays upstairs, what about the people she lives with? It is contagious a day before symptoms appear.

[Anonymous]

Which flu? Stomach or influenza? The throw ups, NFW!

[Anonymous]

No way in helll.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not. Not even just your husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Which flu? Stomach or influenza? The throw ups, NFW!

Regardless, with a toddler, I wouldn’t risk it. The (actual influenza) strain that is not being covered well by this year’s vaccine is especially hard on children.

As stated already, thank aunt for her honesty, and make plans to visit another time. Flu is no joke. If you’ve ever actually had it, you know that it goes way beyond the bad cold that everyone complains is the flu.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Which flu? Stomach or influenza? The throw ups, NFW!

Regardless, with a toddler, I wouldn’t risk it. The (actual influenza) strain that is not being covered well by this year’s vaccine is especially hard on children.

As stated already, thank aunt for her honesty, and make plans to visit another time. Flu is no joke. If you’ve ever actually had it, you know that it goes way beyond the bad cold that everyone complains is the flu.

+1.

And flu is more dangerous for babies and toddlers, as it is for the elderly. Don't expose your child to it. The flu shot, even in years when it's less effective because it doesn't target strains in circulation, does still confer some protection and can lessen duration if a vaccinated person still gets flu; however, you still should not expose your child even if he's has the shot. Ain't can disinfect like crazy but I still wouldn't go.

[Anonymous]

Not with a toddler. If your son was older, maybe. My kids and I had the flu (shot be damned) when they were toddlers and it was miserable. High fevers, lethargy, the whole bit. A few years later in elementary school, they had it again. They were tired and achy and that was it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. You are doing a helpful job of counter-weighting the pressure I'm getting from DH and his family (FIL: "everyone else is going.") I don't like feeling like the high-strung party pooper of the clan, but I really don't want to get sick or for kid to get sick.

It looks like we may be able to do a couple of alternate visits that will let us see some members of DH's family without exposing us to anyone in aunt's household.

I'll see if I can get DH to skip too.

Sigh, holiday family expectations!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't knowingly go around a person who has the flu and I definitely wouldn't take my young child. She sounds like a really nice and considerate lady, but regrettably should have cancelled the party.

[Anonymous]

No.

[Anonymous]

No way. It’s absolutey not worth the risk. Someone in my circle (healthy, nearly 40) died last year from the flu. It was such a shock!
Did your aunt prepare the food herself? Then I would say you would exposed by eating the food. Stay home and go see her in late January.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope. But I would thank Auntie profusely for being honest, and promise you will visit her in the future when everyone is well. You don't want to make her regret her honesty, so go see her in a month or two, or three.. but visit her, anyway.

This.