Fever and diarrhea--should we skip the park?

[jgracefrank]

Hi mamas,

My nearly 3yo son has had a diarrhea since yesterday morning and a fever since yesterday evening. Today, he is in good spirits, though he has told me that his belly hurts.

It's going to be nearly 50 degrees in Chicago today, and he's already asking to play at the park. Besides the fever and the diarrhea, he seems fine. He's eating and drinking well. I think some fresh air might do him some good, but was wondering what you ladies think.

Thoughts?

~Jillian

[*Erin*]

i don't take take my kiddos to kid-places if they are running any kind of fever. upset stomach too. besides the fact that they could spread it, they may catch something worse while they are fighting off whatever they have. when we are in your shoes, we do walks around the neighborhood or playing outside on our patio. i hope he feels better soon!

[jgracefrank]

Thanks for the response, Erin.

We live about 5 feet from the park, so when I look out of my bedroom window, I can see the entire thing. If we were to go, I would take him when it was empty, not when there are a bunch of kids playing. I certainly don't want him to get anyone else sick.

Sadly, we don't have a useable porch area, but maybe a walk around the neighborhood is a good compromise. Thanks again.

[tinuviel_k]

No, I would definitely not take him. He sounds like he is still contagious. Even if you went when other children were not there his germs would linger on the play area surfaces and could make another child sick. I know it is really hard to keep a child indoors when they are still "sick" but are feeling active, but really, it is the responsible thing to do.

If he is feeling up for it and really needs that fresh air I would take him on a walk instead.

[Crafty]

Even if you take him when there's no one else there, he's still going to be touching things and breathing on things. That may be enough for another little kid to come around later on and pick up what he's got.

Hope he feels better soon.

[balancedmama]

Absolutely not. His germs will live for a long time on the playground equipment.