Flu and newborn

My daughter is 2 months and my mil lives in fl and is coming to ny thurs for a party and will obvi b visiting us. She does not have the flu shot and insists she is fine. I do not want her around the baby bc of this and being on a plane and all. Am I being crazy? I told my husband if she doesn't want to get the shot she isn't allowed in the house I am not messing around.

WhAt should I do?

Re: Flu and newborn

Honestly, even if she ran out today and got a flu shot, it would not be effective.

IMO, telling your MIL who is traveling from FL that is not allowed in your home is a bit much, sorry. It's not like she is around the block and can visit at any time.

I would just ensure that she washes her hands as soon as she walks into your house.

Re: Flu and newborn

The shot takes 2 weeks to take effect anyway. Even having the shot wont prevent her from passing it on totally. I'd just make her wash her hands and dont let her kiss all over the baby or talk close to the baby. I've had this rule since they were born 3 mo ago and it wasnt even flu season then. I told everyone that the PED and NICU said no one can kiss the babies and and especially not the hands. MIL has held them close to her face to talk close and I told her to hold them down more and nto be all up in their face. Dont be afraid to say something if she doesnt listen. People love the baby and want to be affectionate but if they can't put the baby's well being before their own wants to kiss the baby then they can take a hike. The flu with babies this young is no joke and can lead to RSV and cant put them in the hospital.

Flu and newborn

I wouldn't keep her from the baby. I would make sure she washed her hands before touching the baby. Also, if she visits straight from the plane I'd want her to change clothes or even shower before holding the baby. I wouldn't expect everyone that comes near the baby to get the shot. You don't know that all the nurses and doctors they see have even had it (although I think they'd be crazy not to).

Re: Flu and newborn

Re: Flu and newborn

I agree that it is not a good thing to keep her from the baby, eventhough I COMPLETELY understand your concern! Even if she gets the shot, it needs 2 weeks for effectiveness and even with it, there is only a 60% chance of her being covered by it. Look, the best thing you can do is have her use universal precautions- hand washing and keeping your home clean. If by any chance she begins to spark a fever, I would immediately keep her away. My IL hate me being so neurotic with making them wash their hands and all but in my house, my rules apply! Good luck!

Re: Flu and newborn

Re: Flu and newborn

Re: Flu and newborn

I'm a germaphobe and I think you are a bit out of line. Especially because there are a million and one things your newborn could get that are just as bad as the flu that there is no vaccination for. Additionally, I don't think someone with the flu shot is much less of a threat with respect to the flu than someone WITH a flu shot - you can still get the flu even if you have a flu shot - whether it is another strain or not. So, honestly, your rationale doesn't make sense. Now, if you said she had the flu or was sick I would absolutely say keep her away. But, here, I don't think there is really a rational reason that you have to stand on...

Re: Flu and newborn

Even if she got the shot, she could still get the flu. The shot only protects against certain strains. I wouldn't keep her away from the baby simply because she didn't get the flu shot. Just have her wash her hands and if she's feeling under the weather at all, keep her away from the baby.

Flu and newborn

Before my DS was born last year (January), I made anyone who was coming to the hospital get a flu shot. MIL included. After two or three weeks I just made sure people washed their hands and if they were sick at all, even a cough, I'm sorry but you can't come over. I understand your concern. I don't think you are out of line to ask that she does everything she can to protect her grandchild. There is an epidemic, sure the news is over dramatic but still, this is a huge problem. Your baby, your decision. If it was me, by 2 months I would be okay with it but I would double check that she was feeling 100%. sorry you have to deal with that.

Re: Flu and newborn

Re: Flu and newborn

If she isn't sick, she isn't contagious. I'd just follow normal precautions, i.e. wash hands, change clothes from the plane, etc. It seems crazy to me to not allow her to see the baby.

ETA: I'm a total germaphobe too.

Message edited 1/13/2013 7:42:27 PM.

Re: Flu and newborn