Need Advice on Declining an Invitation to Party Due to Swine Flu Scare

D.
I support you 100%
I have been in sticky situations also for pretty much the same reasons. When I did not do what my heart told me to do (to protect my child), my daughter was the one who suffered.
You are your Son's voice!
You're purpose as his Mom is to protect him.
Your Gut feeling is "YOUR INSTINCT AS A MOM".
Do not doubt it for a second.
If you feel uncomfortable, then do not take him.
I would not be going either if I were invited anywhere near Queens right now.
I would just be honest. and tell them the truth and just say, "PLease forgive me, I know it is just me being worried, but I just don't feel comfortablle taking him anywhere these days."
I am sure you and just about everyone else going there is feeling the same way.
If they are truly good friends, they will understand.
It isn't about them, it is about you protecting your son.
And if something was to happen, you would NEVER forgive yorself for not trusting your gut instinct.
I hope things work out for you, but I truly understand your feelings.
I live in Dutchess County and I and my sister already said that if it hits here, her boy is not going to school and I am not going to work! I am an RN and I am not going to be exposed to that and bring that home to my daughter.
I only work 2 days a month in an office.
They can certainly go on without me for that small amount of time!
Good Luck!
P.

While your fears may be extreme at this point, they are also entirely understandable. As a parent, we often have to make difficult choices and although this is a minor issue (a party), your concerns are founded. Granted, the Swine Flu may not ever be an issue for you, but the truth is you will never know who has been exposed. I would say that you have to go with your gut, and if you are concerned, then you have a right to be concerned. Dont feel bad about it. But, honesty is the best policy. Talk to the party throwers and tell them the truth about how you feel. Better to be honest than to make them think there is some other reason. I hope this is helpful. Go with your gut. And kudos for being a concerned parent!

I really don't see why you wouldn't go. Do you keep your child home during the normal flu season? It's much more likely he would get the regular flu and have complications from that. The regular flu kills 36,000 people/year in the US. So far swine flu has killed one. I would go - you can't live in fear of these kind of things or you'll never get to do anything, ya know?

Also, just something to think about, you work in the medical field. I bet the odds of you coming into contact with it at work are much greater than coming into contact with it because you went to a party in the same county where cases have shown up.

Good luck with your decision.

You shoulnt go anywhere with your baby that you are not going to be comfortable with. Because you are going to end up not having a great time and be paranoid everytime somebody want to hold your baby. I'm sure that your cousin would understand if you told her that you are just worried about your baby's health. Since now that there is a 23 month old baby in texas that was just comfirmed death by swine flu. Make her a promise that you would take time to visit with her in another time where there woulndt be other guest that you wouldnt know any possible onset of the flu. Goodluck. If your cousin is a good person, your cousin shoudl understand.

The situation is developing quickly. My advice on Tuesday would have been very different than it is today. I wouldn't take my 4 year old anywhere near Queens this weekend...or in the upcoming weeks. I think your concerns are justified and that you should be completely honest. Remind her that your son's health was fragile and that you just can't chance going through that again - his suffering, the time off of work, etc. Your cousin will understand! Trust your instincts.

I think that you should go. It would be one thing if there was going to be a family there that had just come back from Mexico visiting family where the breakouts are - but if not, then don't worry - just go and have fun. Besides, you could have been at the supermarket and caught it last weekend. You never know what you are going to get. It could be on it's way to the Northern suburbs - or not.

Also, when you mention that your son had been sick his first year of life - was it an immune issue? If not, then you'll be fine.

Has someone had the Swine Flu who will be at the party? The Swine Flu is just not that widespread, there isn't an epidemic or pandemic going on. You can't avoid being out in public places forever - are you going to keep your 2 year old at home permanently? The CDC has not issued any warnings about curtailing travel, visits to public places, etc. The media is really playing up the Swine Flu, and whlie I don't think it's nothing, I also don't think it's an emergency situation.
Good luck!