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The Essential Etiquette During Cold and Flu Season
As much as I wish germs didn’t exist, they’re an unavoidable part of life, especially in the fall and winter months. Often, I find myself daydreaming about a germ-free bubble or just staying indoors indefinitely. However, I know my children will inevitably encounter a multitude of germs during this season, leading to some sniffles and coughs. I’ve stocked up on tissues and set aside a bucket for those inevitable bouts of illness that seem to strike us annually.
My eldest, Max, is in elementary school and comes home each month with a different virus. His younger brother, Leo, is in a toddler program, where he also encounters his fair share of germs. Thankfully, both boys generally have strong immune systems and usually bounce back quickly.
While I can’t control their exposure to germs, I’ve given up on the days of carrying a gallon of hand sanitizer and worrying over every sneeze. I’ve hoisted the white flag to the barrage of viruses that will infiltrate our home this season.
However, there’s one thing I’d like to address regarding the spread of germs, particularly when it comes to visiting each other’s homes. When our children play together, they’re bound to be in close contact, which makes communication essential.
So, fellow parents, here’s my polite request: Please, just let me know if your child is feeling unwell!
You don’t need to share every detail about the illness—just a heads-up if, say, Charlie was throwing up two days ago would suffice. It’s important for me to know, especially if we have a birthday party coming up soon or if we’re about to head out for that long-awaited trip to Disneyland. And if Emma “only has a head cold,” I still want to be informed because a minor cold can sometimes escalate for my kids, who have slight asthma.
Let’s keep each other informed about what’s happening with our kids’ health. I don’t usually cancel plans over a runny nose, but if something significant is on the horizon or if my kids have been sick repeatedly, I might need to reconsider. And yes, if your child has been vomiting recently—even if it’s in the past—I’ll likely keep my distance. I’ve learned from experience that those germs can linger longer than we’d like.
I’ll do the same for you! Recently, my youngest caught a cold just days before his birthday celebration. Even though he was on the mend, I made sure to inform our guests about his condition, thinking it was the courteous thing to do. One of my friends then let me know her son had just come down with a new cold and she planned to keep him at home. Open communication and mutual understanding—how refreshing!
I also understand that sometimes kids may seem fine before a visit but then suddenly fall ill while they’re at my place. Or perhaps you thought your child had recovered, only for things to take a turn. While this system isn’t foolproof, I’m asking for transparency, precaution, and respect for each other’s health when plans need to be adjusted.
Most of my mom friends are good about this, but there have been times when the golden rule wasn’t followed, and it led to some frustration—hello, weeklong flu! I find that the biggest challenge often comes from those without kids or from parents who had them long ago and forget how easily illnesses spread among children. They might not realize that what’s a minor cold for an adult can turn into a sleepless night for a little one.
Let’s not panic too much about germs; after all, kids need exposure to various germs to build strong immune systems. But let’s uphold some good old-fashioned manners when it comes to our plans during the cold and flu season. If you’re interested in more about home insemination, check out this resource or learn more about artificial insemination kits that can help during your journey. Additionally, Facts About Fertility is a great resource for anyone navigating pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Cold and flu season brings an inevitable wave of germs into our homes, especially for families with young children. While it’s impossible to avoid all germs, communication about our children’s health is crucial, particularly when planning gatherings. A simple heads-up about any illness can help everyone make informed decisions about playdates and events. By practicing transparency and mutual respect, we can navigate this season with a sense of community and care.