How long to keep kids from sick sitter? (babysitter, baby, boys)

[kmalone4]

Hello all!

You think I'd know the answer to this as I am a nurse, but kids are alot different from my patients in the ICU.

My babysitter has streptococcal pneumonia. She's just coming home from the hospital and wants to watch the boys. I told her that she needed rest and that I'll check back in a week or so. I know she was in isolation in the hospital for droplet precautions.

How long should I wait until I let her watch my 5 and 1 year old boys? I should mention that my 1 year old could catch a jet if it flew low enough.

Thanks!

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by kmalone4

Hello all!

You think I'd know the answer to this as I am a nurse, but kids are alot different from my patients in the ICU.

My babysitter has streptococcal pneumonia. She's just coming home from the hospital and wants to watch the boys. I told her that she needed rest and that I'll check back in a week or so. I know she was in isolation in the hospital for droplet precautions.

How long should I wait until I let her watch my 5 and 1 year old boys? I should mention that my 1 year old could catch a jet if it flew low enough.

Thanks!

How long has she been on antibiotics?

[NoExcuses]

I don't think the babysitter realizes just how exhausted she would get very quickly trying to take care of boys those ages. She might think she's up to it, but I was sick like that once when my oldest was three and it took weeks before I was up to anything I tired so easily.

If she is still coughing or sneezing I'd keep them away for a week or so just to make sure. She would have some time to get some strength back.

[Kibbiekat]

you could call the kid's pediatrician and ask.

[captain_hug99]

I agree with the previous poster, ask the sitter how long she has been on antibiotics and call your pediatrician for his opinion.

[kmalone4]

Thanks for all the comments guys. She's been on IV antibiotics for two days. They did a culture & sensitivity yesterday and started her on a new oral one.

We just moved to Houston from the Chicago area a few months ago, and because our insurance just kicked in we don't have a doc down here yet.

I certainly agree with No Excuses; I don't think she knows how exhausted she'll be just taking care of herself. To add to that, she's never taken care of the boys for more than an hour or so. I live 45 minutes away from work and work 12 hour shifts, so I really want her to get back on her feet first for her own well-being.

I have a wonderful back-up babysitter. I think at the very least I'll wait to August before I bring the boys back.

Thanks again for your posts.