I have a 5 yr old and a 3 week old. My 5 yr old has the stomach flu and has been vomiting & is running a fever (100.7 F). How can I prevent my 3 week old from catching the flu? Has anyone ever had one of their older children get the flu and the baby never got it? Also, I'm breastfeeding, so does that prevent my baby from getting the flu?
2007-02-07 10:14:01 · 6 answers · asked by Red 4 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Breast feeding will help your newborn but it's not a guarantee. Just try to keep your older child away from your newborn and be sure your older child keeps washing his/her hands, and anyone who comes into contact with the older child should also wash their hands frequently. Sorry, no big sister/brother kisses for the baby until a few days after he/she gets better.
2007-02-07 10:22:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's the inevitable, at some point or another your 5 yr old will get the baby sick. Breastfeeding is healthier and easier to digest than formula is, but no proof that it prevents a baby from getting the flu.
As a mother of two my best advice is this:
Make sure your 5 yr old doesn't kiss the baby
Lysol the house, all door nobs, tables, etc.
Washing hands is CRUCIAL, and not just your 5 yr old... everyone! And often!
Check out some type of Flu Reduce or Airborne meds for the 5 yr old at your local drugstore.
Consider using the hand mittens on the baby to help prevent the germs on his/her hands getting into his mouth.
Open windows when you can to get some air in the house so the virus isn't just sitting in your house.
Good luck with that!
2007-02-07 18:42:01 · answer #2 · answered by Jamie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Breastfeeding will help! But...I would go through the house at least once daily with something like lysol on commonly touched surfaces, and make sure to wash your hands after touching your 5 yr old. Try to keep the 5 yr old away from the baby as much as possible and good luck!
2007-02-07 18:21:13 · answer #3 · answered by Bunker J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try to keep them seperated as much as possible. If handling their food, toys etc and especcially flanels or buckets if she is throwing up make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before you interact with the baby. Tell the five year old not to get too close to the baby so that the infection can't transmit through the air or through skin.
Other than that all you can do is hope that she doesnt get it.
2007-02-07 18:25:31 · answer #4 · answered by ♪ Rachel ♫ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you cant prevent it my 6 months baby always catch the flu from his 3 years old sister
2007-02-07 18:21:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spray Lysol on everything he touches, wash your hands and keep him from not touching the baby or anything that is the baby's. Usually babies that breastfeed have a higher immune system and usually don't catch stuff like that. But, there is a chance.
2007-02-07 18:23:30 · answer #6 · answered by jacksonblonde 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋