WWYD?

Ok, so here's the deal. I got a note in DS folder today from the school nurse saying there is a very violent and very contagious stomach virus moving through school. I think of the stomach bug as pretty much the same as the plague. DH and I are seriously thinking of keeping him home for the rest of the week.
Here's the backstory... Last year DH insisted we go to his aunts Xmas Eve even though his cousin had had the stomach bug earlier that week. Well my little guy, who wasn't even 1 yet, started throwing up Xmas morning. I was next, then DH, and then older DS. We were sick the entire break. It was miserable!!! Not only do I not want a repeat of last year, but it could potentially be even worse. We're leaving for a cruise on Xmas day this year. If any/all of us has the bug, we're going to be quarantined in our cabin. I can't imagine a worse way to spend a week.
So bottom line, what would you do?

Re: WWYD?

I would be keeping dc home. Why risk it since it could potentially ruin your trip!

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If you can keep him home & stay with him, then I'd do it.

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Not even a question in my mind...keep him home.

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I would keep him home.

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I would keep him home, only problem is what if he has already been exposed (knock on wood)

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Wait. I've just rethought this...What grade is this?

if it was pre-school, I'd skip it.

if it was elementary school, then I wouldn't skip it. I wouldn't want them to miss their school parties.

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I guess I am the odd ball here, but I wouldn't keep him home. You can be exposed to a stomach virus anywhere. At the grocery store, library, karate/dance/activities, anywhere. I personally don't think I would want to put my entire week on hold for "risk" of a stomach virus. It is a risk...but...there is no guarenteeing either way that your son or your family will get the virus.

Especially if it is Elementary School, I think it is really the wrong message to be sending to your child --- that at the risk of getting a cold or a virus we stay home for the week. School is important and a priority. I would send him to school and take it day by day with fingers crossed.

Re: WWYD?

I would send him to school. He has already been exposed, and unless you plan to quarantine yourself, your DH, and hole up by yourselves in your home until you go away, then each and every single person you come into contact with may be carrying this bug, or the flu, or any number of other bugs.

Take some vitamin C, Airborne, and cross your fingers.

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I would keep him home and only shed him in the day of his holiday parties. We just got over the stomach virus that has been going around and this one was much worse than any other year, I think it took two weeks before everyone was healthy again

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Just to give more details, he's in kindergarten. Today I was in class for 2 hours doing Chanukah crafts, games and stories with the kids. Tomorrow they have a family luncheon that DH and I will be going to. We're still thinking if keeping him home Thursday and Friday. I have the ability to be home during the day, so it's not like I would need to take off from work.

Re: WWYD?

If he was in school yesterday and today and is going tomorrow, I don't think keeping him home Thursday and Friday is going to help. If it's been exposed, he's been exposed.

Re: WWYD?

Message edited 12/20/2011 12:28:40 PM.

Re: WWYD?

Skip the parties! He'll remember the cruise long after the parties are forgotten. I feel like my DS's kindergarten class is always celebrating SOMETHING anyway-- soon there will be Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 100 Days of School, etc

Re: WWYD?

Re: WWYD?

I would keep him in school but insist he use a hand sanitizer anytime he has to put something in his mouth. I know at this age, they are so unaware of what they put into their mouth but maybe explain the situation to him and tell him how he will get to enjoy on the cruise if he doesn't fall sick.
I was in your position last yr-we had to cancel our whole cruise as DS spiked a 103 fever a day before we were to leave.

Re: WWYD?

With the cruise I would not send him....there isn't much learning going on these next two days anyway .
If you were not going on a big trip I would send him bc you don't want him to get any ideas for the future.