Ransom got the H1N1 vaccination today & the flu vaccination last week. Every time we go anywhere Dave is constantly slathering Ran’s hands with hand sanitizer, has taught him to use his shirt to open doors & won’t let him touch anything if were out.
I’m a little less cautious than that, mostly because I don’t want to allow myself to become terrified about all this.
But I must admit, I decided not to take Rhys to Church this past Sunday over fears he may catch something from some random sneezing person. H1N1 is spreading so fast, in part because it’s airborne. You can catch it even if your 6 ft. away from the carrier.
When Ran was 1st born we took him to campus to meet the students, now I wouldn’t even consider taking Rhys to campus. I feel a bit stuck between becoming too paranoid and being wisely cautious. After all, he is only 7 days old and extremely vulnerable if he caught H1N1, the flu or even a chest cold.
Today I realized I have a travel size hand sanitizer bottle in my purse, one in each car, one in the boys room, the bathroom, the kitchen & our entry way. I’ve been using it so often my hands are starting to sting. I also frequently forget to use lotion, that can’t help, eh?
Just wondering, is any one changing your behavior because of fears over seasonal flu’s or H1N1? How about as it relates to your children?
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No, Grace, I’m so there with you as far as Zoe is concerned. If anyone else gets the H1N1 flu, they can be treated and will more than likely be fine. It’s a simple treatment for it. But 6 months and under CANNOT be treated if they contract it, and it will likely not be a good outcome. I’m keeping Zoe from church and trying hard to get Lucas, myself and Jeremy vaccinated as well. I’m not having much luck for any of us, but honestly, Zoe is the only one who can’t be vaccinated, OR treated (if she gets it), so my concern lies with her and I’m willing to be over-cautious if need be. That’s my job as a mom – To become as educated as I can be about it all, and then make decisions based on what will keep my children safe. This particular swine flu seems to hold quite a risk for children under 6 months of age. I work at a medical facility and am constantly getting updated about it (like 3 or 4 emails a day), so I feel I’m making the best, educated decision I can based on the info I’m getting at the moment. If it turns out I’m making rediculous decisions based on media trying to scare us, who cares – at least my children were as safe as possible at the time, and I did all I could to keep them safe, right?
I’m glad to hear you are watching out for our new little guy! As for us,
we are washing our hands often, especially after being out in public places and our church is encouraging us not to shake hands, etc.
Honestly, I haven’t really changed and I don’t know why. With Madi I was overly cautious when she was a newborn. I santized all her toys right after any kids came to visit. Now with my second child, I santized the toys every 2 or 3 weeks, maybe. I do, however, carry hand sanitzer in my purse and diaper bag. The is also some in the bathroom. I have still be taking them to the daycare at church and at the gym and have not had any problems. Madi did have a temp. for 3 days though, that could have been the flu bit I’m not sure. Kennedy has gotten her (regular) flu shot, but Madison hasn’t. Neither of them have gotten the H1N1 shot. I’m nervous because the vacination came out so quick, and I’m not sure about it. I do pray over them every night while the sleep as well. So, I said all that to say, I haven’t really changed much….
I just heard from our pediatritian that they are now treating 2+ month old babies with Tamiflu if they get sick now, so that’s good news and I do feel a bit better about taking Zoe out. I’ve also gotten word from her pediatritian that in Jan, when she turns 6 months old, they will give her the vaccination for it then, so that makes me feel better about it all too.
thanks, April. Were still going to keep him “secluded” for a bit, but it helps to know he’s only got 6 more weeks before he could get treated for something.