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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take a sick toddler on holiday?

106 replies

Worried8263839 · 24/07/2024 07:36

Myself and DH aren't sure what to do...our 2.5 year old has been sick on and off since the weekend. Since Monday it has been once or twice a day. Generally in himself he seems fine, although has been a bit more tired and lethargic. No temperature. Yesterday he seemed good, hasn't been sick since early morning but was sick again overnight. This morning we now have very loose stools.

The problem is that we are due to fly to Spain early Thursday morning, less than 24 hours away.

AIBU if we try and go ahead with the flight? I feel that it's wrong to and think it would be best to change our flight. DH disagrees

OP posts:
Werweisswohin · 24/07/2024 09:07

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:53

Meanwhile in RL ive taken plenty of flights where people are vomiting all over.

You can tell when they are past the worst. Getting the runs is usually it coming towards the end. If the vomitting stops I'd probably go but put him in a nappy or pull up.

Meanwhile in RL that's incredibly selfish.

Werweisswohin · 24/07/2024 09:06

Definitely do not take him on a plane! Not fair to other passengers or him.
I hope you can rearrange and still get your holiday at some point.

DancingPhantomsOnTheTerrace · 24/07/2024 09:05

I agree with people saying it would be selfish. I also agree with people saying that a lot of people would do it anyway, which I don't think is ok.

I'd also consider you and your husband - it wouldn't be that surprising for one or both of you to start vomiting in the next day or two.

RichTea90 · 24/07/2024 09:03

I think that it would be irresponsible to take him when he’s still somewhat unwell. Perhaps you can move the flights or claim on your travel insurance?

it’s bad timing I know, but unfortunate and cannot be helped.

unfair to other passengers as well - this is how these illnesses spread.

frazzledbutcalm · 24/07/2024 08:57

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:54

Travel insurance probably won't pay out solely because a toddler had a bug

Yes they will. We claimed years ago when dh had the same. All the insurance company asked for was a receipt to show we’d bought some Imodium. They paid out fully within 2 weeks. OP take your ds to a pharmacy/gp to get checked over, then you’ll have a record for the insurance.
FWIW, he could be completely better by tomorrow.

howchildrenreallylearn · 24/07/2024 08:41

Treesnbirds · 24/07/2024 08:36

I always say to my kids "treat other people as you would like to be treated"

Would you be happy to pick up a vomiting bug for the family on the way to your long awaited holiday (possibly that people have been working hard for all year to afford) ?
I honestly think it's a pain to reschedule but you will pass it to others whether you like it or not and I think that's a horrible thing to do, sorry 😞

This.
Anyone traveling with a compromised immune system will be SO thank for your vomiting bug on the plane and in the hotel too 🙄

Treesnbirds · 24/07/2024 08:36

I always say to my kids "treat other people as you would like to be treated"

Would you be happy to pick up a vomiting bug for the family on the way to your long awaited holiday (possibly that people have been working hard for all year to afford) ?
I honestly think it's a pain to reschedule but you will pass it to others whether you like it or not and I think that's a horrible thing to do, sorry 😞

Willmafrockfit · 24/07/2024 08:29

sounds like he will be ok op, fingers crossed

Greenlittecat · 24/07/2024 08:29

I think most people in real life would go.

Personally, I wouldn't because a holiday when someone is poorly is absolutely miserable.

Talk to your insurance and see if you can rebook for a couple of weeks time When you are hopefully all well and can enjoy the holiday without the worry of vomiting!

DailyEnergyCrisis · 24/07/2024 08:28

Gawd I hate reading bad/dangerous advice on here when children are sick.

Lemonade will categorically not help a two year old with a vomiting bug. There’s no need to starve them.

Offer fluids frequently and small amounts of food, but don’t worry if they don’t want to eat much- keeping hydrated with water is essential.

Don’t take on boiling hot holiday.

Mummyoflittledragon · 24/07/2024 08:24

Forgot to add, please don’t take your ill boy on the plane. He will spread it. That’s what quarantining is for, and travel insurance.

Mummyoflittledragon · 24/07/2024 08:23

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:55

Also you need to starve a vom bug.

Nil by mouth for 6 hours or it will keep going.

A 2.5 yo child will be nil by mouth whilst asleep. Thinking these days is not to starve vomiting bugs.

Original poster
Worried8263839 · 24/07/2024 08:23

Thanks everyone, I do completely understand the points raised. If my son felt ill then we would cancel without a second thought. I think what's causing us to dither a bit is that he is already bouncing of the walls, wanting to eat, saying he's happy and generally just himself, especially this morning!

OP posts:
Butwhybecause · 24/07/2024 08:22

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:55

Also you need to starve a vom bug.

Nil by mouth for 6 hours or it will keep going.

A GP told me to give them just lemonade (rather than water) to avoid dehydration.

Sips, not gulps.

Quitelikeacatslife · 24/07/2024 08:20

It might not be the right thing etc but agree with PP that in RL most people would go ahead if child was generally ok . They are over the worst and probably not infectious any more. Obviously it's not ideal but it's not easy to change a holiday and toddler will be bouncing off the walls again by Friday I'm sure

Wordsmithery · 24/07/2024 08:11

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:53

Meanwhile in RL ive taken plenty of flights where people are vomiting all over.

You can tell when they are past the worst. Getting the runs is usually it coming towards the end. If the vomitting stops I'd probably go but put him in a nappy or pull up.

But they're still contagious! It's so mean to expose a planeful of holidaymakers to the same virus.

MaryShelley1818 · 24/07/2024 08:06

Of course you shouldn't take him.
When DS was an infant we had a 10 day holiday to Majorca booked and he was poorly. We rearranged and just went for a week instead about 5 days later, yes it was really disappointing and I cried, but I wouldn't have ever put my child through that as well as a plane full of other people's children.

PerkyMintDeer · 24/07/2024 07:59

No, I don't think you should take him. It's not fair on him, and it's not fair on the passengers and crew if they catch it and end up ill on holiday or having to take time off from flying for work.

Contact your insurance company, see what your options are.

Marinade · 24/07/2024 07:57

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:53

Meanwhile in RL ive taken plenty of flights where people are vomiting all over.

You can tell when they are past the worst. Getting the runs is usually it coming towards the end. If the vomitting stops I'd probably go but put him in a nappy or pull up.

Meanwhile in RL there is always somebody who just plows on and doesn't care if they infect a whole airplane full of holiday makers because they just have to take their sick child on holiday. Jesus wept.

Marinade · 24/07/2024 07:56

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:54

Travel insurance probably won't pay out solely because a toddler had a bug

We had to cancel our holiday as my daughter had D&V on Saturday night and we were due to fly out Sunday morning. The insurance will absolutely cover this we have spoken to them.

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:55

Also you need to starve a vom bug.

Nil by mouth for 6 hours or it will keep going.

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:54

Travel insurance probably won't pay out solely because a toddler had a bug

LadyFeatheringt0n · 24/07/2024 07:53

Meanwhile in RL ive taken plenty of flights where people are vomiting all over.

You can tell when they are past the worst. Getting the runs is usually it coming towards the end. If the vomitting stops I'd probably go but put him in a nappy or pull up.

CaraVann · 24/07/2024 07:52

Don’t go.
It is not fair on you ds and certainly not fair on a plane full of holiday makers.

ExhaustedHousewife · 24/07/2024 07:50

If its the norovirus it's horrible, my little Granddaughter had it on the Saturday and my son and his wife goot in on the Thursday and Friday respectively, I would cancel.I know its disappointing but if you all get it,it won't be a very nice holiday,anyway.

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