Someone with the flu visits...how to handle this?!
Question: My dad's friend is sick with the flu. For the past 2 days he has visited my dad at work, drinking coffee, using the restroom, touching stuff....
My dad has serious respiratory diseases and could become very ill if he got the flu. But, he doesn't seem to mind the visitor, and won't say a word.
If he visits today, what should I do, if anything? Is there a polite way to tell someone they are risking another's health and to go home until they are well?
Answers: My dad's friend is sick with the flu. For the past 2 days he has visited my dad at work, drinking coffee, using the restroom, touching stuff....
My dad has serious respiratory diseases and could become very ill if he got the flu. But, he doesn't seem to mind the visitor, and won't say a word.
If he visits today, what should I do, if anything? Is there a polite way to tell someone they are risking another's health and to go home until they are well?
I would start of by asking your dad's friend if he realizes that getting the flu for your dad could be dangerous or even fatal. Then explain the risks involved for your dad..
BTW, I hope your dad gets a flu shot every year. It's also important that members of his family receive it also so they're not bringing it home to him.
I think I remember hearing somewhere that by the time someone starts showing flu symptoms they are no longer contageous. It's the period before when they seem perfectly normal that it can spread like wildfire. I could be wrong, I'm no doctor.
But, try keeping disinfectant wipes / spray handy. And tell your father to always wash his hands frequently, most flu / cold like viruses actualy enter the body throuh the eyes, when they get on your fingers or hands, and you inadvertantly rub your eye for a second.
Some medicines can drastically help cut flu & colds, like Zicam? Zircam? It's a little white spray bottle that has a red & orange lable, it works miricles with colds & the like.
I feel the same way with people. I HATE when people know they're sick and then come around and infect everybody in their path. Your situation sounds similar to mine, and now I have the Flu and possibly Strep Throat from it. Ugh, tell him to stay away!!! I know it's hard though, especially if he's your dad's friend. He probably doesn't want to hurt his feelings. But if your dad has serious respiratory probblems (my father has the same), then it's for his own good.
Perhaps you can politely put it across if you want . I hope your friend will understnad. But what makes your dad so vulnerable ? I would like to know. Then, your dad can wear a mask when visited by anyone infected with airborne infections. Well I wish I knew more about dad's illness so as to suggest more precautionary measures , if his condition demands it. Good luck !!!
I would just tell him straight out. This could put your fathers health at risk. My mom has COPD, so she tries to stay away from anyone sick. I understand why, she could get a simple cold and end up in the hospital. I mean be nice, but just say hey, my dad really likes you coming by, but why dont you get better before you come back again!!!