ProudGrandma Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 My husband just got a phone call from a friend of ours, inviting him and our 2 sons to a 2 day trip to a professional hockey game. I think this is a great thing for my husband and boys to do, but I am nervous that a week before Christmas and a week before our annual 2 week vacation to visit family, that the extra exposure to germs will put our family at a higher risk for sickness. My husband thinks I am nuts in the head for being concerned...and I think he is crazy for not caring about the added risk. They will be staying in motels, sitting in a crowded stadium, shopping at Mall of America to kill time Monday afternoon, eating in restuarants...what would you do....would you be concerned and want them to stay home...or would you not care and take the risk?? Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truscifi Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I would pump them full of Vitamin C and send them on their way. It seems a shame to make them miss such a fun opportunity because they *might* get sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 That's what Airborne is for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 That's what Airborne is for. they won't take airborne...is there an alternative?? Does vit C and suppliments like airborne keep the stomach flu germs away...I could really care less about a cold...you can still do Christmas and take a trip with a cold...not so much with a kid throwing up.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Life is too short--I'd say go have fun, and not worry about it again. But I have never been much of a worrier, so ymmv. :D ETA: Try EmergenC instead of airborne--it tastes a lot better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I'll admit that it would bother me too- especially the thought of one of them picking up a stomach flu :willy_nilly:. But, it wouldn't be enough for me to be opposed to their going. Really, anyone could get just as sick by going to the local grocery store. :glare: So yes, *I* would be concerned and *want* them to stay home, but I'd keep those thoughts to myself, not worry about what *might* happen and wish them a great time. On a side note... make sure they know how to check the motels for bed bugs. :tongue_smilie::willy_nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 I'll admit that it would bother me too- especially the thought of one of them picking up a stomach flu :willy_nilly:. But, it wouldn't be enough for me to be opposed to their going. Really, anyone could get just as sick by going to the local grocery store. :glare: So yes, *I* would be concerned and *want* them to stay home, but I'd keep those thoughts to myself, not worry about what *might* happen and wish them a great time. On a side note... make sure they know how to check the motels for bed bugs. :tongue_smilie::willy_nilly: oh thanks...something else for me to worry about....how do you check for bed bugs???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plain jane Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 they won't take airborne...is there an alternative?? Does vit C and suppliments like airborne keep the stomach flu germs away...I could really care less about a cold...you can still do Christmas and take a trip with a cold...not so much with a kid throwing up.... Ahhh. See, those are my worries too. Colds, I can handle. Stomach viruses, not so much. Do what you can to keep their immune systems strong and have them take some extra probiotics as well. I don't really know what you can do to ward off those stomach bugs. :001_unsure: If I were you, I'd try not to worry about it though. Honestly, those things are picked up everywhere. Making sure they know good hand washing techniques may help put your mind at ease. Besides, there's been a few threads here about posters picking up horrid germs from going to visit family. Best laid plans and all that... :tongue_smilie: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 but I am nervous that a week before Christmas and a week before our annual 2 week vacation to visit family, that the extra exposure to germs will put our family at a higher risk for sickness. ....would you be concerned and want them to stay home...or would you not care and take the risk?? Kathy It would have never occurred to me to think about picking up germs. Just like I wouldn't have thought that the extra traffic for the event could result in a car accident. Yes, those things can happen, but I don't let the possibilities stop me from living my life, nor does dh. So, if it was us, the trip would be a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I wouldn't have even thought about it. Sounds like they could have a wonderful time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I wouldn't worry & would send them off to have a fabulous time. :001_smile: BTW, I just took a trip to DC for a long weekend w/ my dad & sister. We stayed in a hotel (actually 2 different rooms), were out in public places w/ crowds, ate in lots of restaurants, traveled by plane & train, etc.... Everything was (& is) fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secular_mom Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Yes, you are being paranoid. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 You non-worriers have no idea what it's like for us! I say "us", because I would have been the same as the OP. I wish I could find the right pill to stop my worrying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Yes, you are being paranoid. :) :iagree: I'm with your dh. I don't see any significant increase in exposure. It would be different if you said the family they were going with has a stomach bug! Exposure to illness is part of life. This will be a great memory for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Unfortunately you can get the stomach bug in town. They weren't going to stay isolated in the house. This time of year you just have to carry on and make the best of whatever happens. I hope all of your vacations are wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I'd be way less worried about germs than about the lack of sleep and change of routine...that's what gets my kids sick. Can you insist that they get enough sleep while gone, as a condition of letting them go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TN Mama Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I would pump them full of Vitamin C and send them on their way. It seems a shame to make them miss such a fun opportunity because they *might* get sick. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 I'd be way less worried about germs than about the lack of sleep and change of routine...that's what gets my kids sick. Can you insist that they get enough sleep while gone, as a condition of letting them go? I wish I could...chances are, the nights will be late and long...and my 6 year old is normally in bed by 8 every night...and I am sure it will be way later than that...the game is a night game...although, I don't know what time the games starts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProudGrandma Posted December 16, 2010 Author Share Posted December 16, 2010 You non-worriers have no idea what it's like for us! I say "us", because I would have been the same as the OP. I wish I could find the right pill to stop my worrying! I was beginning to think I was totally alone in this...even though I am way out numbered...I am not alone...thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homeschoolally Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 My husband just got a phone call from a friend of ours, inviting him and our 2 sons to a 2 day trip to a professional hockey game. I think this is a great thing for my husband and boys to do, but I am nervous that a week before Christmas and a week before our annual 2 week vacation to visit family, that the extra exposure to germs will put our family at a higher risk for sickness. My husband thinks I am nuts in the head for being concerned...and I think he is crazy for not caring about the added risk. They will be staying in motels, sitting in a crowded stadium, shopping at Mall of America to kill time Monday afternoon, eating in restuarants...what would you do....would you be concerned and want them to stay home...or would you not care and take the risk?? Kathy I do the same thing this time of year. It makes enjoying any kind of outing really tough for me. I know it is a little rediculous, and though I haven't read the other replies I bet you'll hear that yes, you are paranoid--but you aren't alone. I'm actually this way all year long, but it really ramps up the few weeks before Christmas. If they do go, send them with hand sanitizer to keep in their pockets and use til their hands bleed! :001_smile: Seriously, though, my husband works in a very high-germ profession and religiously washing his hands and using the sanitizer really makes a difference. We even use it to wipe down the tables and chairs at restaraunts, wipe it on any item handed to us at a drive-thru or store--I think it really helps. At least I need to think it helps! Hope you're able to come to an agreement you're both comfortable with! Fortunately my hubby and I are equally germ-phobic, though I find myself inching into crazy territory lately, so we are usually on the same page about that kind of thing. It does sound like a fun outing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 They could get sick just staying home or from work or from the store...or, or, or.... stop worrying ;) Airborne, healthy food, fresh air, fun...let them go :) You'll be okay, mama. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I wouldn't have thought of it. Life needs to be lived, and this opportunity sounds great for them. Let them go, and let the chips fall where they may. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanceXToo Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 I don't think it would have even crossed my mind. It sounds like fun,a great opportunity! (I'd be more apt to worry about whether they were driving/arriving safely). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy loves Bud Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Wouldn't have crossed my mind at all. Send them on their way, let them have a good time without bugging DH about it, and enjoy some time alone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 What's funny is that it would be DH worrying in our household, not me! He'd have DD wrapped up like a cabbage and fussing over whether or not she's getting exposed to this, that, or the other germs all the time. Me, I'd be off and running (not to hockey, mind you, but the girly-girl equivalent!). Let them go, cross your fingers, remind DH to keep them bundled in the cold, and let them have fun. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spy Car Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 Would it help you to know that a certain amount of exposure to germs helps keep the immune system strong and makes people "healthier" and more able to deal with contagions? Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted December 16, 2010 Share Posted December 16, 2010 My men are going to the Patriots game this Sunday...I can't even imagine they would hear me if I suggested they not. :D Maybe they can wear neck-gators over their mouths/nose? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stripe Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Flu shot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 I am a hypochondriac and I would not hesitate one minute to let my dh and kids go! You can't protect them from every little thing from now till Christmas! They could get sick at church, at the mall Christmas shopping, at the gas station, playing with a friend, at the grocery store, etc. Let 'em go! P.S. I'd worry more about bed bugs at the hotel than them getting sick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Flu shot? We just got over the flu. Even the doctor admitted that the flu shot would not have prevented the strain we acquired (and she was pro flu shot). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatCyndiGirl Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 Since people were recommending Airborne I thought I'd add that it isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's just overpriced vitamins. They paid out for the class-action lawsuit: http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/04/news/companies/airborne_settlement/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LidiyaDawn Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 We always carry extra hand sanitizer & wipes this time of the year - more people out & about, and some of them are indeed sick but don't want to 'miss out' on things, need to get christmas stuff, etc. We always sanitize our hands before eating, after leaving stores, etc - sometimes still in the mall/whatever, if we've just used something with a high likelihood of being germy (bathroom doors, railings, etc) - and I use wipes on tables/chairs or other things we're about to use. It *sounds* like a lot of work, but it really isn't. It's pretty much habit for us and takes very little time at all. You don't even need to stop walking to rub some sanitizer on your hands. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted December 17, 2010 Share Posted December 17, 2010 It would have never occurred to me to think about picking up germs.Just like I wouldn't have thought that the extra traffic for the event could result in a car accident. Yes, those things can happen, but I don't let the possibilities stop me from living my life, nor does dh. So, if it was us, the trip would be a go. Yes, this. Although I admit to being the mom at the mall who has always told (okay, sometimes I've barked at) my kids to not touch the escalator railing, and I've always been after them to stop touching their faces. But I would never think about it ahead of time.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyWImom Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 Would it help you to know that a certain amount of exposure to germs helps keep the immune system strong and makes people "healthier" and more able to deal with contagions? Bill It doesn't help.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 OP, I would also be thinking of these things, so you are not alone. It wouldn't stop me from letting them go, but you'd better believe they'd be armed with plenty of hand sanitizer! I stress when the kids are sick, especially when it's around larger events (ie. holidays, vacations, etc), but sometimes things just happen. I hope they have a fantastic time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
praisefor3 Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 I recommend the book "Wild at Heart" for you to read. It will help you release him to be the adventurer and to perhaps be less fearful (or at least more understanding) of his non-concern about the risks that worry you. Not that you can't be wise and cautious but it might help you as your boys continue to want to do more and more adventurous things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamee Posted December 19, 2010 Share Posted December 19, 2010 You can do the Japanese thing and send them with masks to wear.:D I personally wouldn't worry about it though, but would be jealous I couldn't go to the game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Wisc Posted December 20, 2010 Share Posted December 20, 2010 But I'd give conditions: They must drink 6 to 8 cups of water daily. They must try to get enough sleep each night. They must eat a breakfast cereal high in fiber (this grabs stomach bugs and carries they out of the digestive track). They must blow their noses several times a day, and, if they are use to using a neti pot or sinus rinse, they must use that each day, too. They must use waterless hand cleaner whenever they get into the car and carry it with them to use as needed. When shopping, they might want to consider leaving their gloves on. They need to remember to take a good multi-vitamin daily. Did I forget anything? That, imo, is the best you can do any time, any where. Then I'd send them out for the fun! Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.