[SaraSmiles]

I am starting to freak out now because in my area both swine flu and hand foot mouth disease is going around like crazy. In fact, I know 4 people who have hand foot mouth right now, and I just RSVP with regrets for the little boy's birthday party Sept 1st because I dont want to go anywhere near anything that might be infected in her house! There are 160 cases in my area of children with swine flu right now too, luckily it isnt the deadly strand of it, but the kids start school in 5 days. So in 5 days everyone in this house is going to be exposed to all the nastiness that all these children picked up during the summer.
Normally, I figure it would be no big deal, I get sick I get sick, but now that Im pregnant and know that viruses can affect the baby, I am panic-ing.

I know there is no real answer to this post, just needed to vent a bit.

[LadieBug]

Wow I didn't realize swine flu was still around. I think you'll be ok... Just make sure to wash your hands often and all that jazz. Is it true (or am I making this up?) that pregnant women have better immune systems?
Also, have you considered a flu vaccine? I know most OB's push for them. That might help to give you some peace of mind.

[Babyschultz]

Hand foot mouth won't affect the baby and adults are less likely to get it then children.

As for the swine flu, yuck hopefully that one stays far away from your house.

[marybeth76]

Well, I would think now would be a better time to get swine flu than when we're 8-9 months pregnant. I could be wrong, though. Hopefully you will all be fine and not get ANY of it. I have heard that really washing your hands all the time (no need for antibacterial soap, just regular soap and water is fine) makes a HUGE difference.

Also, maybe have the kids change into clean clothes as soon as they get home from school? And use paper towels in the bathroom to dry hands on, instead of hand towels, that cuts down on germ transmission also.

[rageybug]

Clean clean clean! Everything! Swine flu is the most horrible thing ever. We had it 3 years ago when it was the major thing going around and I don't know how we would have survived without heavy duty doses of meds!! -which of course can't be taken when pregnant!

Hand foot and mouth is going around here too!

[SaraSmiles]

I think I am going to craft a lysol shower in my front yard and have the children use that before they walk in my house. Like seriously though, I am probably going to pick them up from school and before they even get in the car make them use hand sanitizing wipes and wipe up to their elbows, and then change their clothes as soon as they get home. I am probably over reacting but I really dont want to mess around with the crap while preggo. When I am sick, I need my meds!!!

[WENDYLL22]

I know..it is definitely something we can't ignore, but I hate having to see and hear about it. I just hope all this stuff that is going around settles down. I remember a few years back when the basic flu ( if there is such a thing) was running rampant and people were being advised over the vaccines and such. I am with you though on taking precautions while you feel they are neccesary.