Flu?

[LittleScholars]

I have a kiddo out today. Mom just texted to say he tested positive with the flu. The dr. said if he is fever free he can return Wednesday (he only attends M, W, F). He is starting tamiflu this afternoon.

I have my own two month old in care, and I just closed for a long maternity leave. Both of those are an extra incentive to want to keep germs out and remain open.

Coming back fever and symptom free doesn't go against my policies, but I also want to make sure I'm not prematurely allowing him back. I asked that he has no fever and bodily fluids (coughs, in particular) are completely under control.

Would you let this friend back?

[mommyneedsadayoff]

I would say no. I started the flu last wed and i am just starting to perk up, but the coughing is still tough. If his flu is anything like what has been going around, he will not feel well enough by wed....trust me!

[LittleScholars]

I would say no. I started the flu last wed and i am just starting to perk up, but the coughing is still tough. If his flu is anything like what has been going around, he will not feel well enough by wed....trust me!

I bet you're right. And since I'm a crazy first time mom I called the pediatrician. He said no way should they have contact for 4 days. I'm glad my gut said no. That would be miserable if other kiddos got it.

Ugh, how does one know they have the flu vs. a cold?! Other than getting tested, of course.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

I bet you're right. And since I'm a crazy first time mom I called the pediatrician. He said no way should they have contact for 4 days. I'm glad my gut said no. That would be miserable if other kiddos got it.

Ugh, how does one know they have the flu vs. a cold?! Other than getting tested, of course.

It is miserable and you def dont want it around little infants. Just be weary of any medicating before he comes next. I never use over the counter stuff, but i have been popping pills like crazy just to get by and most contain fever reducers. I would just make sure mom knows that he needs to be fever free with no meds. My fever lasted 4 days, so chances are he is out the whole week.

[Blackcat31]

Here is the info I have about tne flu

http://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/infectious-diseases-fact-sheets/flu-fact.pdf?la=en

I would not allow return until next week

[Blackcat31]

Ugh, how does one know they have the flu vs. a cold?! Other than getting tested, of course.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/discomfort-15/cold-flu-season/is-it-a-cold-or-flu

[LittleScholars]

Here is the info I have about tne flu

http://www.hennepin.us/-/media/hennepinus/residents/health-medical/infectious-diseases-fact-sheets/flu-fact.pdf?la=en

I would not allow return until next week

If he was fever and symptom free Friday (the day he is set to return), would you allow it? I guess since I don't have a set policy for the flu, I'm terrible for making a policy on the spot.

And do you have a policy specifically for the flu? I thought my policies were pretty comprehensive, but now I'm not sure!!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I exclude, at least, 72 hours.

When did mom contact you? Do you have a drop off window (say, 7:00-9:00am) where they cannot drop off after?

I'd just say you need to exclude for 3-4 days and update your current policy to reflect this.

[LittleScholars]

I exclude, at least, 72 hours.

When did mom contact you? Do you have a drop off window (say, 7:00-9:00am) where they cannot drop off after?

I'd just say you need to exclude for 3-4 days and update your current policy to reflect this.

Mom reached out around 12 to confirm it was the flu. She reached out Sunday evening to share he was ill with a fever. I have contracted drop offs (7:30).

Ok, great. I'm definitely going to add the 4 day rule and check very closely at drop off for symptoms.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

Mom reached out around 12 to confirm it was the flu. She reached out Sunday evening to share he was ill with a fever. I have contracted drop offs (7:30).

Ok, great. I'm definitely going to add the 4 day rule and check very closely at drop off for symptoms.

I'd say something like, "As per your pediatrician's recommendation, there is a new illness policy implemented immediately. Children diagnosed with the flu will be excluded for a full 4 days. Re-admittance will be at the discretion of the provider."

You have a tiny infant. I'm glad you aren't jeapardizing that baby's health.

[Ariana]

I would say something to the effect of

"due to the administering of Tamiflu by your DR, special consideration will need to be implemented for the safety of the other kids in care. As per my pediatricians recommendation child will need to be quarantined for 4 days after Tamiflu is given. Therefor X will need to remain at home until next Monday. I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding in this matter.
See you next week and I hope X feels better!"

To me the administering of Tamiflu is a much more serious thing than regular old flu.

[Ariana]

Ugh, how does one know they have the flu vs. a cold?! Other than getting tested, of course.

Flu = Fever
Cold = No Fever

That is it in a nutshell! Flu can be serious or or not but the presence of a fever means flu vs cold. I have had knock down drag out colds that were not flus and I have had flus that were nothing!

[KiwiKids]

I would say something to the effect of

"due to the administering of Tamiflu by your DR, special consideration will need to be implemented for the safety of the other kids in care. As per my pediatricians recommendation child will need to be quarantined for 4 days after Tamiflu is given. Therefor X will need to remain at home until next Monday. I apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding in this matter.
See you next week and I hope X feels better!"

To me the administering of Tamiflu is a much more serious thing than regular old flu.

This is what I would do. As a mother she should understand why he needs to be kept home. 2 month old babies don't need exposure to the flu!

[LittleScholars]

This is what I would do. As a mother she should understand why he needs to be kept home. 2 month old babies don't need exposure to the flu!

I'm absolutely doing this. I had dreams about the flu all night. I feel terrible excluding (I've been really lucky I've almost never had to), but I think it is important.

[Blackcat31]

I'm absolutely doing this. I had dreams about the flu all night. I feel terrible excluding (I've been really lucky I've almost never had to), but I think it is important.

The flu isn't just a cold or something "common".....it REALLY is a big deal so I would think the DCM (or ANY parent) would understand your need to be cautious, not only because you provide child care but because you have an infant.

I take the flu VERY seriously. I exclude every member of the family if someone in the family has a confirmed case of the flu. Otherwise, my exclusionary policies simply apply to the one that is actually ill.