Avoiding someone with a cold? Alan?

[Feathertop]

Hi,

My father in law is coming to visit (just for a couple of hours), and apparently he currently has a cold. I'm not keen on catching this at 39+2 as I need all my strength for what lies ahead! Last time I had a cold at 28 wks it really knocked me around, I had a whole week off work and could hardly do anything, just drink lemon and honey and lie in bed.

How can I try to minimise my exposure and avoid catching this cold? I don't want to say "don't visit" as they live 4 hrs drive away, but on the other hand I don't want to be ill at a time when I most need to conserve my energy and be well.

Do I suggest meeting at a coffee shop so there's less close contact (and my mugs and surfaces aren't getting germy)? Do I say 'please don't come'? Do I get him to wash hands and face before greeting me (which will be hard since I'll be home alone)? HELP!!!

Also - I'm assuming that people who are ill shouldn't come into contact with the little one in the early days - is that right? Again, any tips on what to say to keep them away???

[Liz]

I had a croaky voice & a cough when DS was born. It was a pain. I don't really get knocked around with colds too badly tho.

I would think they should understand tho if you just outright ask not to see them til he's better. Just say exactly what you just said to us I'm not keen on catching this at 39+2 as I need all my strength for what lies ahead! Last time I had a cold at 28 wks it really knocked me around, I had a whole week off work and could hardly do anything, just drink lemon and honey and lie in bed.

[Catastrophic]

When i was near term - no one would come near me with a cold.. they would call and we'd chat that way (not the same i know) and if anyone has a cold now, they won't go near bubs if we see them down the street etc, and they won't visit with a cold... (not that that has stop izzy and my self getting them)..

i don't think it is rude to ask him to stay away... when it comes to health matter, you do what you feel is right...

[Alan]

Hi Feathertop
It is very easy to catch a cold. The only sure way of not catching it from your father in law is to ask him not to visit.
If he must visit then here is some tips that will reduce the chance of you catching his cold.
Do not get close to him
Wash your hands often with soap and running water
Get him to wash his hands often
Leave the room if he sneezes or coughs
Wash all surfaces often

And even after all that you still have a good chance of catching his cold

[RhiChiChi]

I would ask him not to visit. I was suppose to catch up with a friend on Sunday who had a cold / virus and I told her that I can't take anything if I get sick and I would not put myself (and bubs) at risk of catching a cold. She understood and we'll plan to catch up later when is she well again. Surely your FIL would understand and really, you are nearly due to have bubs so why wouldn't he/they wait until bubs is here and see you all at once?

[Feathertop]

thanks guys, spoke to my husband about it and he said when his dad drops into his work, he'll tell him not to come around and visit me at home. I just hope his dad doesn't turn up here first!