Contagious Virus: Stay Home ?

[jnet24]

So my kiddos have hand foot and mouth disease. Both had a fever tuesday. They are both acting just fine, no problems except 3 yr old has sores inside his mouth that do not hurt and DD has a diaper rash. We have a community festival thing me and my dh work out. Is it okay to take the kids? Or do you think that is a big no no. I am not germaphobic at all, I figure there is germs ever where so kids could catch it anywhere. so just curious what you all think? I think I should take them and just wash their hands frequently?

[WTHamI?]

I would keep them home. Just because you're ok with their germs doesn't mean other people would be. I would be really upset if I caught something from your kids and found out you knew they were contagious and brought them to a crowded public event anyway.

[fruitfulmomma]

If they are contagious PLEASE stay home.

[ladymeag]

I think you should stay in. It's one thing to go out with a sniffle, another entirely to go out knowing you are contagious with a major, named illness.

[AFWife]

I'm always in the "Contagious = Stay Home" camp, personally. I know I'd be irritated if my healthy son caught something from your kids because you took them out while they were contagious.

[mommariffic]

If kids are contagious, they should stay home.

I agree - a case of the sniffles and I might go out but knowing my kids are contagious is just wrong. I would be really peeved if someone brought their kids out knowing they were putting others at risk.

[eclipse]

I don't know how long hand, foot, mouth is contagious. Have you researched it? If they're still in the contagious period, you really should keep them home.

[pink gal]

The child care at our gym had to close for a few days due to rampant hand, foot, and mouth disease. There is another gym in the same chain not to far away so all the mamas started going there while child care was closed. Then they had a huge outbreak.

Other moms will really appreciate you keeping them home until you're sure they are not contagious.

[EdnaMarie]

Think of all the parents that have taken all their sick leave this year and could get fired if they miss another day, but whose babysitter backup is out-of-town.

This disease is not the worst thing in the world but kids can't go to daycare with any kind of rash.

Please stay home. Sorry to hear about missing the fest, though. But think: you could be saving hundreds of work-hours, overtime hours, and children's perfect attendance records just by missing this one thing with a mere two kids! Imagine all the good you are doing, and celebrate by treating yourself... at home.

[Lucy Alden]

I also don't worry too much about germs when it comes to my kids but I would not knowingly take them out if I knew they were contagious. I'd worry about transmitting the disease to someone with a compromised immune system (think elderly, infant, etc.). Stay home, there's always another festival.

[Arduinna]

We stay home when we are sick.

[jnet24]

I did research it.. and the problem is they are contagious for up to a month. That is a long time to quartine them.

[ThisCat]

I think it would be one thing if you absolutely positively had to get out to the drugstore or grocery store or something really necessary and you tried your very best to keep them contained in a stroller or something so they didn't get near anyone or touch anything, but a festival? No way. Keep them home.

Also, HFMD is most contagious the first week. It can remain in the body for weeks after symptoms disappear, but that first week poses the biggest risk for transmission.

[grumpybear]

Originally Posted by mommariffic

If kids are contagious, they should stay home.

I agree - a case of the sniffles and I might go out but knowing my kids are contagious is just wrong. I would be really peeved if someone brought their kids out knowing they were putting others at risk.

Yes this.

[ErinYay]

Originally Posted by jnet24

I did research it.. and the problem is they are contagious for up to a month. That is a long time to quartine them.

To put it really bluntly, too bad. Like others have said, it's one thing to do a needed supply trip, but going to a busy public event? I guess if you're comfortable risking the health or life of an immunocompromised person that your kids won't, at any point, touch their mouths and then touch anything else, then go.

[EdnaMarie]

Originally Posted by jnet24

I did research it.. and the problem is they are contagious for up to a month. That is a long time to quartine them.

Imagine if a single mom had to quarantine her two kids after they caught it at the ONE EVENT they got to go to in the past year, and she lost her job because of it. Now THAT would suck. That would REALLY suck.

I'm sorry, but while I can understand how hard it is to tell kids, "Sorry, no festival," it is your responsibility to do so. Please do not consider it an option to expose toddlers with newborn siblings, sole breadwinners, etc. etc. for the sake of your family's enjoyment.

[chaoticzenmom]

How did they get diagnosed with this disease? My son went to the ped when he was 2 with a sore throat. They dr. said "well, hand, foot and mouth disease has been going around. It's probably that." and then sent us on our way. The next day, his sore throat was gone and he was fine. I don't remember him suggesting that we avoid public places or anything...not that he bothered to accurately diagnose my son in the first place.

My personal rule is that if fever is gone for 24 hours and everyone feels well, we go back to normalcy. If I were worried about my child being contagious, I'd bring anti-bacterial wipes and sprays and use as necessary. I'd warn people "ds was sick earlier this week, so no hugs and kisses today." I'd watch closely and make sure that no cups and utensils are shared. No touching babies (which is a good rule anyway).

If someone is immuno-compromised and going to the fair, I'm guessing they'll be taking care to avoid germs already.

[WTHamI?]

Originally Posted by jnet24

I did research it.. and the problem is they are contagious for up to a month. That is a long time to quartine them.

It's also a long time for someone else to have to quarantine their kids because they caught it from yours...

[camracrazy]

Originally Posted by pink gal

The child care at our gym had to close for a few days due to rampant hand, foot, and mouth disease. There is another gym in the same chain not to far away so all the mamas started going there while child care was closed. Then they had a huge outbreak.

Other moms will really appreciate you keeping them home until you're sure they are not contagious.

I was about to post the same thing about my gym. Maybe we go to the same gym?

I have to agree with the majority and say that it really sucks but it would be best to stay home. "That one kid" that comes to preschool, childcare, etc with a contagious illness often starts a chain effect and makes a lot of people sick.

[JavaJunkie]

Your kids may have a mild case, but a child who catches it from yours may not be so lucky. It can get really bad in some cases. I'd keep them home this weekend.