Considering Grandma's Visit After Illness
I am currently caring for a newborn, who was born on February 11th, weighing 8 pounds and measuring 21 inches. Thankfully, they have no pre-existing health conditions. However, my mother is scheduled to visit us this week, but she has experienced vomiting since the evening of February 12th, and we suspect it might be norovirus. My mother, aged 55, has time off from work this week and intended to travel from her home in another state to stay with us. The question arises whether adhering to the guideline of waiting 72 hours from her last episode of vomiting is a sensible approach for her visit, or is it better to refrain from having her come over to avoid any risks? Moreover, she's expressed the desire to bring my niece, who is 17 and lives with her. I’m concerned about whether my niece could also be carrying the same illness and potentially be contagious. What would be the best course of action here?
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 3:30:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's wise to be cautious when considering visitors during your newborn's early days, especially given the recent illness in your mother. Here are the key points to consider:
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Infectious Risk: Norovirus is highly contagious, and it can pose significant risks to newborns. Your mother should definitely wait at least 72 hours after her last vomiting episode before visiting, but even then, consider her overall recovery and any lingering symptoms.
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Niece's Health: If your niece has also been exposed, she could potentially be contagious too. It’s essential to ensure that she does not exhibit any symptoms of illness before considering a visit.
Detailed Explanation:
- Norovirus can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and it spreads easily via surfaces or close contact, making it a concern for your newborn’s health. Newborns have weaker immune systems and can be more susceptible to infections.
Next Steps:
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Delay Visit: Encourage your mother to postpone her visit until she has been symptom-free for at least 72 hours. Ideally, she should wait until she feels fully recovered, as lingering symptoms could indicate ongoing contagiousness.
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Monitor Niece: If your niece has spent time with your mother and shows any signs of illness, it would be best for her to also refrain from visiting until she has been symptom-free for the same duration.
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Engage in Hygiene Practices: If a visit goes ahead later, have strict hygiene protocols, including handwashing before holding the baby and disinfecting surfaces.
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Communication: Be transparent with your family about your concerns regarding the health and safety of the newborn when discussing the visit.
Your caution shows your care and responsibility as a new parent. It's better to prioritize the health of your newborn during this vulnerable time.
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