Having to be around someone with the flu?

bossybluejay · January 2015

I'm at my inlaws and my SIL came down with the flu and was diagnosed today and started tamiflu. They want to get everyone together tomorrow night which is when she would still be contagious...I know getting the flu while pregnant is not the worst thing in the world but I would love to avoid it if I could. I've been vaccinated but with the vaccination not being a great match this year and my immune system being lowered, I'm worried about taking the chance. What would you guys do?

tinavonsparkle · January 2015

I wouldn't risk it at all. Flu can be really dangerous for you and your baby. Serious complications can occur as a result. Your SIL should be at home in bed and not spreading her germs. Seriously stay away.

missjenniebean · January 2015

I do not know why they would want to get everyone together, knowing that they have the flu.

obryana6219 · January 2015

My in-laws had the flu over Christmas and didn't tell us before we came over. I keep a mask in the car because it's flu season and I wore it the whole time we visited. Then I took a shower and washed our clothes as soon as we got home.

esampson1983 · January 2015

I agree with PPs. I would not risk it.

I was supposed to go to a family get together last week and a cousin said her daughter and Step father who were attending were sick. DH and I agreed not to attend to avoid putting ourselves at risk.

janat1717 · January 2015

I would definitely not go and I've already managed to be around people with it and not get it.

erbear84 · January 2015

If I could control my exposure to the flu, I would!

luvindanimals · January 2015

Nope I would not go! The flu can be serious.
My SIL is getting over the flu and wanted to get out of the house for a little while yesterday (she tested positive Monday) I was like and this is how the flu is being spread!

finchfeeder80 · January 2015

That's insane. She needs to stay in bed and you should stay away.

Edited to fix fat fingers.

bossybluejay · January 2015

I've been super pissed about it and have made a couple comments along the lines of "it's really dangerous for pregnant women to get the flu". They are coming over for dinner so I have no idea how I would keep a mask on while eating. My thought is if she comes over, I may just hide out upstairs in our room. There's also a 6 month old baby here so exposing others to the flu seems incredibly selfish.

bossybluejay · January 2015

Oh I should clarify...we are at my inlaws house who are in a different state and the SIL lives here too. I don't have the option to not go because the SIL is coming here. So my best option is to hide out in my room until she leaves

matiekae · January 2015

That is a tough situation to be in. If it were me I'd do my best to keep my distance, wash my hands frequently, and keep disinfectant close. Could your DH talk to your SIL about it? You've done all you can as you've been vaccinated, but that poor 6 mo old is most likely defenseless! I'm so frustrated for you!

janat1717 · January 2015

Take some extra vitamin D if you are there. I find it helps a ton

aagenthner · January 2015

Have your doctor call in a prescription for TAMIfLU! My sil just got over the flu and we all took the meds as soon as she was confirmed with it. None of us got it the flu and we all were with her ALOT over the holidays as she is also living with my parents where all the events were hosted.

jessieR358 · January 2015

Hey yall. Not a normal poster here, but that's just ridiculous to want to get together knowing she has the flu! I'm a nurse practitioner and dealing with it daily, but I have my mask on. The flu shot is only about 60% effective this year due to a mutation. Tamiflu is category C so I wouldn't be running out and taking that bc your family doesn't seem to care they are putting you and the baby at risk. Ok. Vent over. The flu is contagious for 5-7 days (starting the day before you exhibited symptoms).

lfaithlove · January 2015

I am the opposite of an over-reactor when it comes to germs and sickness but when I was pregnant with DS and living with family (my husband was in the military and was away for several months) some of them got the flu and I moved in with a friend until the sickness was gone. I wasn't trying to be dramatic but it just wasn't worth the risk. As un-fun as it will be, I'd try very hard to avoid any more togetherness for the duration of your stay. Be smart, drink tons of water, wash your hands and take some vitamins. Hope you stay well!

janat1717 · January 2015

Hotel? How long is it for?

apeschka · January 2015

My kid got the flu and they gave me Tamiflu as a precaution and it was a godsend. Get tamiflu!!

bossybluejay · January 2015

Yeah, well none of them get the flu shot which is another issue we're going to have in the future because I don't want my baby around unvaccinated people during flu season. It's just evening for dinner and the update for today is that she still has a fever and it's going down so she "might" be coming over. I made a comment to my MIL about how my dr told me how dangerous the flu was and she just ignored me

valelam · January 2015

I also don't post much, but I would look at your hubs for support in pretty much telling your MIL and SIL to be more responsible. I agree with everyone, this is how flu and other things spread. My brother had a fever on XMas and we told him and his wife and son to stay away until it cleared. Your family may think your over-reacting, but a 5 days from now when they are all sick in bed, I think they will get your point. Good luck!

wegrowsheep · January 2015

Time to go out to dinner? Come back armed with a can of Lysol....

GASuzuki · January 2015

Screw that. I would stay away. Not worth the risk.

hburford2 · January 2015

My one year old is just now getting over it and my doctor put me on tamiflu just to be safe because I have to be around her tobtake care of her...

bossybluejay · January 2015

Thanks for the advice everyone! She ended up not coming over because my husband called her. However, this was after she held the six month old baby while having a fever and all the hallmark symptoms of the flu, the day before she went to the doctor....

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