Did you wash your hands? No? Then back away from my kiddo! Since the flu, H1N1, RSV or the common cold will require Nyx to be admitted to the hospital, we have to follow strict rules around here. We just can't risk her becoming infected with any illness that might compromise her lungs. That shunt is her main source of blood to her tiny lungs and even though it's vastly improved her health it simply can't sustain her if she becomes sick. Dehydration is another big concern for Nyx. Her heart just isn't cut out for that kind of work.
So until Nyx has her complete heart repair in four to six months and then makes a full recovery, we've implemented the following rules at Casa O.
If you want to see the kiddo, you need to have had a flu shot. (Just the regular one, not the piggy flu one. Call me crazy but I'm not big on trusting the gubment to fast-track a vaccine.) No, I'm not going to ask to see your immunization record at the door but I'm probably going to ask. (You should get the shot regardless of whether or not you want to see and hold Thumbelina. It's the responsible thing to do.)
If you have a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or the runs, stay away from my house. If you've been exposed to someone with those symptoms, stay away from my house.
If you smoke, you need to shower and wear clean, smoke free clothes. I'm probably going to be even more super paranoid and ask that you place a blanket between you and the baby. Yeah. I'm that mom.
When you come into the house, head straight to the powder room (snooty, snooty!) and wash your hands. Dave and I strictly adhere to this rule. In fact, Dave comes right home, strips to his skivvies, and jumps into a shower before he ever gets near the kiddo. When we head out to doctor visits or the grocery store or to run errands, we come straight home and wash our hands before touching Nyx.
Don't kiss or touch her face. Keep those cooties to yourself, please!
I realize these are somewhat strict rules and make us seem like paranoid nutters but I'd rather risk offending people by asking them not to touch or visit than to risk my baby's life. I mean, what else can we do?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
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2 comments:
I commend you for being more protective than most moms at this point in her life. It's what is best for her...and it establishes good habits for the future, too.
How many fewer cold/flu bugs would float around each year if everyone washed their hands just two more times each day? ...especially kids arriving home from day care or school.
hey there...
OMG! we have been "those" parents for over a year and this season is the first time to get out and about and all the flu stuff is so bad. Good for you posting this. We had a note on the door for months. Make people take their shoes off too. They walk in all these nasty places and your lil' girl may eventually lay there...blanket or not. Is she getting the RSV shot? They get it every month through the season. It is $1000 or more a shot...crazy, but it helped. I was also gonna tell you about a site we used and it is free and non-profit. It is called Caringbridge. You pretty much set-up your own website and post pics etc. all dealing with Nyx up to and after surgery for updates. people have a way to subscribe so everytime you update it comes to their email and they can read it right then. The really cool thing is when all of this journey is over you can make your whole website with all your entries, peoples kind words, and pics all in book printed out to keep. Just a thought. And it is really easy. hang in there girl. Seriously let me know if you need an ear or have any questions.
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