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I need your advice.

LindsE143LindsE143
in 3rd Trimester
So, my sister (who tends to be extremely self-absorbed and clueless) is coming to visit one week after the baby is born.  She is a teacher, and constantly getting sick.  I hadn't really thought about this when we booked the trip...but she's flying too which means even MORE germs.  Anyway, I was reading today that everyone who plans to be in contact with the baby should get the flu shot.  Both sets of our parents are covered, but when I e-mailed my sister today and asked if she had gotten it, and if not if she would consider it, I got a flat-out no as an answer.  Now I'm kind of freaking out that she's going to be staying with us and touching the baby.  I realize I can't DEMAND that she gets the flu shot, but honestly we're in one of the worst flu seasons we've ever seen and I can't believe I'm even having to worry about this.  Do you think I should just tell her not to come?  Or try one more time to reason with her?
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Re: I need your advice.

  • proud-mommy-to-beproud-mommy-to-be member
    I would have an honest conversation with her and explain your worries and concerns. See if she would be more open to the flu shot after that. And if you had to, tell her not to come. You gotta take care of LO first. Surely as your sister, she will understand.
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  • lifesajourneylifesajourney

    Many hospitals are restricting visitors because of the flu that we have been experiencing.  They are not even allowing any children under 18 to come to the hospital for anything other than their own appointments.

    If hospitals can do it, so can you.  Tell her that it's important to you to protect your newborn; therefore anyone that does not have a flu shot will not be permitted to visit/hold/stay with the baby.  It's your baby... you make the rules!

     I told all the randparents and aunts/uncles about the new hospital policy and asked them all to get a flu shot if they want to be around the baby.  They all have/will.

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  • ellemoney:)ellemoney:) member

    I think it's odd that she's not getting and she is a teacher.. but that's not the point.?

    Anyways, I would just tell her your?concerns. Of?course you?can't demand she gets a flu shot.. I don't know that DH is getting one.. but if she is like you say she is (always sick) I wouldn't want her to visit baby that soon anyways.?

    I would probably just tell her that you've decided you're still going to be adjusting to life with a (new) baby and want to reschedule her visit. Then you don't really have to blame it on the flu shot.?


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  • Goldiefrocks2Goldiefrocks2
    If you're uncomfortable, just tell her that anyone seeing the baby needs the vaccination or else they can come after 6 months when the baby has been vaccinated. It would be different if when she had symptoms she could decide to stay away from the baby. But I read somewhere that the most contagious time is during the 2 days before symptoms appear. Don't quote me on that but, in general, a lot of people don't realize they have more than just the sniffles or a fleeting cough until they've spread it to others. It's not until they have the full blown flu or upper respiratory infection that they start to quarantine themselves and people have been exposed by then. 
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