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Protecting patient from getting infections from me & others
Caregivers | Last Active: Oct 19, 2019 | Replies (25)Comment receiving replies
Thank you, Becky. I have another query: we stopped most contact with our grandchildren last winter. They are all in school and they are efficient vectors of disease. Our grandchildren all live nearby and use our swimming pool. We have a sort of utility room that they use to store towels and change clothes. My question is: since that room is connected to the rest of the house via the heating/cooling ductwork, is it safe for my wife to have the grandkids use that room? The concern is that airborne germs could travel through the ductwork.
Replies to "Thank you, Becky. I have another query: we stopped most contact with our grandchildren last winter...."
@raanderson Hello, again and I’m sorry I’m a bit late. It looks like you’ve gotten some good suggestions from @sallysue and @grandpabob and @cmael ! I would emphasize the importance of grandchildren!! What has the transplant team told you? You might think of having a meeting with the grandchildren and their parents to explain your concerns. But don’t go overboard! Explain why coming over when they have a bad cold isn’t a good idea. And they should never visit with flu symptoms or a bad cough. If they feel like they can help, it will go better. The utility room shouldn’t be an issue. Just don’t leave wet towels for days at a time.
Could you get another meeting with the transplant team? Will you try the family meeting? Please let us know how it goes! We care!
P.S. Make sure your wife is involved in these meetings! And happy recovery to her!
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I can’t speak to the ducting of a heating system but I relay my thoughts on having the joys of grandchildren contact.
For me, mental health is a priority. Having contact with friends and family is important for my mental state. In regards to grand children, though they are out and about a lot and can be little germ bags (or vectors of disease), I feel they can usually be in proximity to me. The rules were and are simple, come visit with clean clothes, insure you are not sick, wash your hands when you get here. My wife and I have a very strong relationship, however we both need to interact with others to keep spirits up and those children are a great way to insure that happens.
Hope this helps.