When to allow visitors for newborn during flu season

[lockdownmummax]

when would everyone allow visitors during this flu season?

I am feeling quite anxious about something being passed to my newborn due to the flu covid and other viruses being rife just now
My baby is 8 days old
my mums household had the flu at the start of January, they are hoping to come visit this weekend there fevers are away however they are still coughing
Feeling a bit anxious about visitors but also feeling pressured to have them
Any advice?

I understand how you feel. But I wouldn’t let yourself get too anxious about things. I would talk to everyone before they come and ask them to hold off if they are ill or suspect they are coming down with something.

If they were ill a couple of weeks ago they are likely not contagious now ( coughs can really linger), so as long as they feel ok I would ask them to wash their hands before holding the baby and not to kiss them. Just generally to take precautions. Even ask them to wear masks if they are coughing a lot.

However, if there are young children with symptoms visiting I would definitely hold them off as they can’t be trusted not to get too close.

I had 2 babies born in winter (December and January) and had visitors straight away with both.

Don't feel pressured about anything, your baby is your precious bundle of joy and no one else's! Plenty of time to introduce people to them. I personally would have not let unwell visitors round to see my newborn and I asked everyone to wash their hands and no kissing. My baby is 8 months now and I don't force this anymore as she has a stronger immune system and has had a fair few coughs and colds, but I still don't let people kiss her or come round unwell xx

Dd is a January baby (today in fact!) and as long as people weren’t visibly unwell I had people over the day after she was born.

Im assuming you’re going out and about with baby, so they’ll pick up bugs and germs that way anyway. Are you breastfeeding? You pass on tons of antibodies and other helpful things if you are so that offers them a fab level of protection.

Keep on eye on your anxiety - not to be mean! I had horrific PPD and it’s so so much easier to treat earlier rather than leaving it for weeks/months. Hope you’re ok x