Grandparents coming from USA to visit new babies... Coronavirus fears

[QueenOfThePumpkins]

I've got newborn twins who were born a bit prematurely at 35 weeks. I have been very strict about visitors, particularly in view of coronavirus but also general coughs and colds at this time of year.

The parents in law are due to visit from America in a month and have had the flight booked since before Christmas. They are coming for 2 weeks. But I am really anxious about them having come through airports etc, and normally I would ask anyone who has travelled not to visit us for a couple of weeks
I have even asked my own parents to stay away for a bit after they went to a big exhibition in London last week. Am I overthinking this? I just feel that we can't be too cautious... If I'm not being unreasonable then how do I handle it? My relationship with the in-laws has never been brilliant and I can see a massive row happening if I'm not careful

My DH has completely agreed with me about the visitor restrictions until now, but has suddenly decided that I am being OTT after I mentioned his parents' visit

In reality, as things currently stand, they are no more likely to pass it on than anyone else you come into contact with day to day.

I completely understand your fears but yes, gently YABU - as the PP says, they are no more likely to pass it on than anyone else and I also
think asking your parents to stay away after going to London was a bit
precious too. BUT I do understand why you feel like that given how vunerable your babies are, so although YABU, you are also NBU!

YABU.

How old are your twins now? If they're still tiny I'd be reluctant to have loads of visitors anyway, due to the risk of general illness, not just corona virus. I think the busy airport travel would worry me though too, to be fair

I don't think you are being unreasonable as when you have very young babies especially ones who have been born prematurely your instinct is to take extra care and that's what you're doing. However I don't think on balance you should prevent the visit, providing your PIL present as fit and healthy at the time and they wash their hands thoroughly before handling the babies.

I do sympathise though because I would feel the same.

Could they stay in a hotel for a few days first. They could then shower and change at the hotel before they see you.

Flights may be summarily cancelled by then anyway.

But I think YABU anyway.

Ps. Even if the hotel thing isn't possible I would absolutely ask them to shower and change out of aeroplane clothes before allowing them to meet newborns in this situation. Hand washing wouldn't be enough if their clothes are covered in flu/corona/norovirus.

Totally understand your worries, I would be the same.. but also YABU. The risk is low x

Why not discuss with them the risks- to them as elderly persons and to your babies - and consider them as a family postponing their flights till the summer / things are clearer?

YABU, sorry. Assuming no other underlying health conditions that you've not mentioned, the grandparents are likely to be more at risk of ill effects from corona virus than your babies.

Hi there, we've moved this to the coronavirus topic!

The risk to children, including babies, is neglible. Only 1 under 10 has caught it world wide since Jan. It's an interesting medical oddity but it doesn't seem to be affecting children.

"Assuming no other underlying health conditions that you've not mentioned, the grandparents are likely to be more at risk of ill effects from corona virus than your babies."

Indeed. And they’ll be checked as they come through immigration.

Congratulations on the new babies.

www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/we-simply-do-not-understand-why-coronavirus-sparing-children-puzzling-n1147951

I don’t think yabu no, not so much because of America but because being in an airport puts you at massive risk.

You do realise that it would be the babies' grandparents who could be at risk, not the twins themselves?

It is elderly people who are in danger from covid-19, not babies.

The risk is low but i can see why u would be worried, i have a 4month old so know how your feeling.

Yes, I have a 4 month old and 2 older children, and I am much more worried about them catching coronavirus and passing it to their grandparents, than the other way round. The mortality rate is nearly 10% for over 70s; there have been no deaths of under 9s. Thank god. I think I would be a nervous wreck otherwise!

Thank god re under 9s, I mean. Obviously worried about my parents but they can self isolate a lot more than a baby with school going older siblings who bring everything home.

Thanks everyone. I didn't know it wasn't really affecting children, that is odd! And makes me feel a bit better. Not overly worried about the grandparents as they are only in their 50s and in good health (though obviously still don't want them catching it).

It may also depend on where they're coming from (although I know part of the danger lies in travel). I am in the Midwest, and there have been no cases in my state.

I live in the state with the most deaths from corona virus in the US (Washington). But they have all been frail people in one particular nursing home. I assume your parents are relatively fit and healthy people if they are considering traveling long haul? Those at most risk are those already in poor health.

i agree with you.
what if they are carriers, from picking up CV en route;
may exhibit no symptoms but then infect you or your husband.
i think everything not absolutely essential should be put on hold.

Yabu

The GP are at much much more rush from you and your little twins, than the other way round. The only reason to delay would be if you guys self isolated to make sure you don't pass it to them, not the other way round. Babies are the lowest risk category, older people are the highest risk category.