newborn in danger of flu??

[rgnolan]

Hi Everyone, 

Today is Christmas and my two year old has the stomach flu.  Poor poor boy!!  I also have a five day old infant at home with us and I am TERRIFIED of her getting it.  She is a breast fed baby so I'm hoping that alone will fight off any sickness.  Does anyone know what the odds are or what I can do to protect her?  Also, what to do in regards to her if I get the flu??

[lynsage]

"Stomach flu" is not actually the flu, but a gastrointestinal virus. The best way to prevent spreading it from person to person is to practice excellent handwashing after toileting and before eating, drinking or preparing foods and minimizing contact between the infected party and the other child.

[luv-my-boys]

break out the soap!  Literally wash your hands and everyone else in your house constantly.  We just had the flu run thru the house with my nearly 2 mo old, there was nothing I could do because frankly we all breath the same air here in the house.  I just became extra vigilant about washing my hands prior to touching/picking up the baby especially if im going to nurse her.  Made the kids wash theirs frequently.  Since it s a stomach bug I also use clorox wipes (but you can also use any cleaner or even tea tree oil/water) and use that to clean the toilet a few times a day.  Sorry tmi but thats how stomach bugs get passed.  My kids are old enough now to know that if they are sick like that to do a courtesy clorox wipe on the toilet seat after they are done.