Yesterday I mentioned dodging germs and sneezes while out in public with Arabella. "Are we going a little crazy?", I thought. "Are we doing this already?"
It's an on-going joke on this blog that we'd love to put Belle in a bubble. It's far-fetched and absolutely absurd, but it would definitely ease our concerns regarding the upcoming cold and flu season! So is it still considered crazy if it gives us total peace of mind? Oh, the things that go through our heads sometimes...
After reading yesterdays post, our friend Karen-Anne sent us a direct message with her advice, and even shared her personal (and unfortunate) experience. Here's her take on the whole thing:
"...I've noticed in some of Dan's posts that he/you feel like you have to explain your reasoning for being over protective of Belle and keeping her away from viruses, germs, etc. Do not EVER feel you need to explain or feel bad about keeping Belle away from people/germs etc. You guys are Belle's voice and protectors and if people have issues with that, tell them to *bleep* right off.
My hearing loss was a result of someone coughing/sneezing on me at three weeks old - and l wasn't a micro preemie. I was born late and was 6.5 lbs. The virus caused severe ear infections that damaged the semi neural nerves in my ears - the right worse than the left. So you guys have every right to be super protective of your beautiful girl.
That's why l'm a huge advocate for protecting babies. People don't realize how immature their immune system is. Don't ever let anyone make you feel guilty or bad - it is Belle who will suffer in the end if her system is compromised further...
My mother was accused of being ridiculous and an over-protective first-time mother by my nana when she first noticed one of my ears larger than the other and a couple of little blisters on my lip (which was the onset of the ear infections). Her own doctor initially put it down to newborn impetigo (a bacterial skin infection) but my mother insisted he investigate further. So there! 😊"
Thanks for allowing me to share that with everyone, Karen-Anne. We need to hear from people with real stories to fully comprehend the situation sometimes, because facts and tidbits only go so far.
But it confirms the notion that whatever happens to Arabella now can have life-long effects, and if Kiera and I are little crazy for the next few years, so be it.
It's Belle's health that's on the line...
So since we're on the topic of germs and viruses, let's take a look at the flu in more detail. The following information is sourced from the Canadian Paediatric Society website.
Influenza viruses are found in the nose and throat. Children can catch the flu from siblings, parents, other family members, playmates or caregivers.
The flu can spread in one of three ways:
Direct contact such as kissing, touching or holding hands with an infected person. If you have a virus, you will have germs in your nose, mouth, eyes or on your skin. By touching other people, you can pass on the virus.
Indirect contact means touching something (a toy, doorknob, used tissue, etc) that has been touched by an infected person and now has germs on it. Some germs, like the ones that cause colds and diarrhea, can stay on surfaces for many hours.
And some germs spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Droplets from the cough or sneeze may reach another person’s nose or mouth. That's why it's so important to cover your cough!
How do you know if your child has the flu?
The flu strikes more quickly than a cold, and makes people feel worse. Children with colds usually have energy to play and keep up their daily routines. Children with influenza are usually in bed. Typical influenza symptoms include sudden fever, chills and shakes, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, dry cough and sore throat and, loss of appetite.
How can we prevent the spread of influenza?
Influenza can be prevented through immunization. Children over 6 months old should get a flu shot each year. If there are children younger than 5 years old or someone with a serious chronic condition in your home, everyone living in the house should get a flu shot. This is especially important if there are children under 6 months old in the home, since babies this age can’t get the flu shot themselves and could become infected if a family member gets the flu.
Pregnant women should be immunized, too. Infants born during flu season to mothers who got a flu shot are usually protected against the flu for a few months. The flu shot is also safe and highly recommended for breastfeeding women. Since infants less than 6 months of age cannot get the flu shot (it won’t work), antibodies against the flu are transferred through breast milk.
Caregivers who take care of children less than 5 years of age should also be immunized.
Hand washing is the most important way to reduce the spread of viruses:
- Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or wiping your nose.
- Wash your own hands and your child’s hands after wiping your child’s nose.
- When water and soap are not available, use pre-moistened hand wipes or alcohol-based hand rinses.
- Keep babies under 3 months old away from people with colds, if possible.
- Teach your children to cover their nose and mouth with tissues when they sneeze or cough, or to cough into their upper sleeve or elbow.
- Avoid sharing toys that young children place in their mouths until the toys have been cleaned.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils or towels until they have been washed.
- If your child attends daycare, tell the caregiver about any symptoms and ask if your child should stay home that day.
- Make sure your child receives all of the recommended vaccines. They will help prevent some of the complications, such as bacterial infections of the ears or lungs.
How safe is the flu vaccine?
The influenza vaccine is very safe. It cannot cause the flu. Side effects are usually mild and could include mild soreness where the needle went into the arm for 1 to 2 days, and/or a mild fever for the first day or two after immunization. If needed, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease the pain.
Final thoughts:
Remember that influenza outbreaks happen every year. Flu vaccination is safe for anyone 6 months of age and older. It protects you and those around you from the flu and its complications. But of course, it's not bullet proof. It works roughly 40-50% of the time, but the risk of getting sick enough to require medical attention is cut in a half. It's especially important for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.
Think about it. Do your own research.
Kiera and I never got the flu shot in the past. We used to be totally against it, but this year we won't hesitate. We're doing anything and everything to help Arabella's chances, because you never know.
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