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Original poster

Whole family is sick and I have a 2 month old

41 replies

dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 15:22

My whole family (including me and DH) are down with a fever and a cold, and I have a 2 month old. Usually, everyone helps me to look after him and now everyone is sick. I don’t know what to do. I’m scared that DS will catch the fever from us, as one by one everyone is getting it, I don’t know how to protect him from it. He has a blocked nose and is sneezing too, but he doesn’t have a fever yet. I know he will end up catching it too but how can I look after him? What should I do? I was breastfeeding him and I’m so warm that he felt really hot too and I got scared. Shall I already give him Calpol for the blocked nose and sneezing? Shall I contact the GP although DS doesn’t have a temperature (it was 37.5 when I checked half an hour ago)? And what makes it worse is that he just will not sleep in his Moses basket or cot. He wants to sleep in our arms or next to us. Please help 🥺

OP posts:
Original poster
dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 15:23

I can’t really give him to anyone else to take care of because everyone is sick like I am. Covid test negative. It’s worse than covid. I’m shivering so much, I have a fever and a cold and my body is aching. Temperature isn’t too high when I checked but I feel like fire.

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Pianofar · 27/12/2022 15:26

Firstly I know easier said than done but take deep breaths and a step back. It's bloody hard when you're poorly and have a baby to look after, but even if you stay in bed all day and baby breastfeeds when they need to they'll be content chilling I expect. You'll be passing on lovely antibodies as well through your breastmilk, so even if they do get it they'll have a helping hand fighting it off. No to calpol as it doesn't help with a stuffy nose and they don't have a temp.

PritiPatelsMaker · 27/12/2022 15:27

Take some paracetamol @dreamerkr, get yourself a big bottle of water and keep BFing him. That will be the best way of protecting him as white blood cells will pass through the milk.

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121gigawatts · 27/12/2022 15:34

Hi OP, had a very similar virus to you a couple of weeks ago as did other family members. The fever passed after 24 hours though. If he doesn't have a fever then I would not give him calpol. I find the saline sprays great for blocked nose which are suitable from birth. Continue breastfeeding even if he gets a bit warm as you will be creating antibodies for him. Or you could try and express for him. My 4 month breastfed baby ended up which a much milder version of it. Can you alternate ibuprofen and paracetamol? I found this really helped with my fever. The other thing that really helped me was making a tea from citrus fruits, garlic, cinnamon and honey. Sounds horrible but it actually tasted fine and really gave me a boost. There is nothing worse than looking after babies when you feel so unwell. I hope it passes quickly for you.

clarepetal · 27/12/2022 15:37

And grab some snufflebabe for when you're baby gets a blocked nose. Just snuggle up and sleep together, it will pass.
I remember when my son had his first cold when he was a baby, all he wanted was to be breast-fed but then he couldn't as his nose was blocked up! Was so sad. You'll be OK though Flowers

tocas · 27/12/2022 15:37

Bless you OP, he will be absolutely fine, just concentrate on feeling better and take it easy, keep breastfeeding him and take it as it comes. Babies are exposed to things all the time and you are giving him the best by breastfeeding him. Hope you feel better soon xx

AnnaTortoiseshell · 27/12/2022 15:40

Unfortunately you just have to get on with it, like the rest of us do. It is so tough looking after a baby or young kids when you’re ill (I’m doing it myself now, about two weeks in at this point), but it’s just part of being a parent.

Don’t give calpol unless he has a fever as it won’t do anything for a blocked nose. Olbas oil can help though.Take it in shifts with your DH so you both get rest. You all just have to survive until you’re feeling better.

Original poster
dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 19:00

Is 37.7 a temperature in a baby?

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Flederjo · 27/12/2022 19:03

.

Whole family is sick and I have a 2 month old
Brunilde · 27/12/2022 19:03

As other have said breastfeeding is the most important thing you can do as your antibodies will pass over. Don't stop just because you're ill. Technically 38 is a fever.

But don't take medical advice from people on the Internet you will get all sorts of responses. Look at the NHS website there is loads of info on there, or call 111 for advice.

Original poster
dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 19:25

Thank you guys

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PritiPatelsMaker · 27/12/2022 19:32

You might find Should BFing Continue if Mom is Sick useful too @dreamerkr Flowers

HBGKC · 27/12/2022 19:43

Yes, it's mega-crap being ill whilst also being fully responsible for a little baby (even more so if they're ill too). I've been poorly for six weeks now, I have a 5 month old who currently can barely breastfeed as his throat/nasal passages are so full of mucous. It's awful for all involved.

As PPs have said, the breastfeeding will be helping him keep the bugs at bay. Get loads of pillows behind you so that he can nap on you in a more upright position if he won't be put down; if you have a soft/stretchy sling you could even put him in that and then you might manage a nap too as you won't be paranoid about dropping him.

Stay hydrated, keep drinking water/herbal teas. Get a big bottle of water for next to your bed, chug it through the night when he wakes you. If he's a bit hot and/or miserable I'd give him Calpol as it will also help him sleep (which also helps you).

You have my sympathies. I really hope we are all better soon!

EternalSunshine19 · 27/12/2022 19:46

Pianofar · 27/12/2022 15:26

Firstly I know easier said than done but take deep breaths and a step back. It's bloody hard when you're poorly and have a baby to look after, but even if you stay in bed all day and baby breastfeeds when they need to they'll be content chilling I expect. You'll be passing on lovely antibodies as well through your breastmilk, so even if they do get it they'll have a helping hand fighting it off. No to calpol as it doesn't help with a stuffy nose and they don't have a temp.

Completely agree at this. Breastfeeding will give your baby loads of your antibodies and your baby will probably be the least sick out of everyone. If you're worried about being too hot, you could try feeding baby on your side. Also agree don't give calpol, it wont help with stuffy nose.

EternalSunshine19 · 27/12/2022 19:50

Also forgot to say get some saline nasal drops for babies (they sell them everywhere) i get mine from tesco pharmacy. You can use them from birth and they help unblock baby's nose

Original poster
dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 22:46

Baby seems fussy and is crying a lot although he’s feeding well and has plenty of wet and dirty nappies. He has a nappy rash too which might be why he’s crying but I checked his temp and it is now 37.8 so it’s higher than before. I’m going to call GP in the morning but what can I do in the meantime?

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Original poster
dreamerkr · 27/12/2022 22:51

I’m using saline nose drops and a snot sucker which are working a little bit but not much. DS has phlegm too. I’m worried most about him getting a fever though, he feels warm now and compared to before his temperature is higher although it’s not 38 degrees yet.

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Original poster
dreamerkr · 28/12/2022 06:41

DS’s temp is now 38. Should I take him to the children’s hospital A&E?

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Pollywoddles · 28/12/2022 07:08

Call 111

Original poster
dreamerkr · 28/12/2022 07:13

I did, thank you

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Falalalalalal · 28/12/2022 08:02

Sorry to hear your baby is unwell. Given it’s a normal working day, call your GP as soon as they open and try to get an appt for today - this will be the quickest option.

Twilightstarbright · 28/12/2022 08:10

I wouldn’t take him to a&e just because his temperature is 38c. Call your GP this morning.

Original poster
dreamerkr · 28/12/2022 21:33

Thanks guys. I went to GP this morning who checked him and said all seems fine (they checked his chest etc), and to keep giving DS Calpol for the fever. He still seems warm and I’m giving him calpol but apart from that he seems okay. However, he will not sleep. During the whole day, he just had 2 naps of 20 mins and it’s now half 9 at night. He’s really tired but he won’t sleep. Any advice? His eyes are red around the edges (I’m guessing due to tiredness and the fever?) and he won’t sleep. Please help

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PritiPatelsMaker · 28/12/2022 21:36

Have you got anyone who can take him out for a drive?

Original poster
dreamerkr · 28/12/2022 21:48

PritiPatelsMaker · 28/12/2022 21:36

Have you got anyone who can take him out for a drive?

My husband took him out for a drive earlier this evening and he fell asleep in his car seat, but as soon as we got back home he woke up again.

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