Colds and NICU

FemmeNat01

This is SO not fair. I have just a common cold but I know it's dangerous to newborns especially preemies. I can't see the babies which totally (for lack of a better word) sucks. I hope it goes away soon.

Anyone deal with this? When will I be able to see them? Is there anything I can do TO see them?

witt0198

 My husband and I both came down with colds while Evan was in NICU too. We waited until we were feeling pretty close to 100% and then wore a mask just to be extra safe. I think I had to miss 3 days and my husband 4, but it was a pretty light fast moving cold though. It was really hard to miss, but we made up for it with extra calls. I know one other family who was in NICU while we were. When the dad got sick, he stayed outside and got help from someone just to see picture of his kids. You could try arranging something like that.

Hope you're feeling better really soon.

FemmeNat01

Thank you. It's hard because I want to spend as much time as I can with them but I know, I have to get better before I can. E had an apnea and brady early this morning and I can't even see her.

 

tarapaige1

My DH got a cold the second week DS was in the NICU so he missed I think 5 days. I ended up getting a cold later as well but had caught it from DS so I just wore a mask while I was there. The doctors told DH that he could be there if he was comfortable but he chose to stay away for those days so he didn't put DS at risk.

mek10976

Will the NICU let you wear a mask and use oodles of sanitizer?  Our neonatologist had a cold and she just wore a mask all day.

FutureMrsDenman

I was sick for over a week and they would not let me visit at all.  DH had to go and take pictures to bring home and I talked to the nurses so many times a day I think they carried the phone around with them attached to their ears.  After a week and just before I was really well, they had pity on me and let me go in wearing a hospital gown over my clothes, gloves, and a mask.  It felt so good to be there with DD that I didn't care what they made me wear.  I just wanted to be there.  Those were the LONGEST DAYS OF MY LIFE.  I hated every minute of it, but I knew I had to do it for DD's sake.

I hope you're feeling much better soon!!!! 

ahava2005

The rule at our NICU is no sign of cold/flu for three days before you come in.  I had a cold and had to miss out.    But better safe than sorry.