Hello all, I wondered if you could give some advice. I am going to a funeral on the 28th and there will be a lot of people there that I haven't seen for a few years. They are all very kissy huggy people (as I was once!) and I wonder how I can stop them doing this. I know I am getting a bit paranoid about all this but have already had a copd flare up this year and really really don't want another. I don't want to be rude and obviously they will be upset (it was their mum who died) but don't know what to do. help .
I wish you all a lovely day tomorrow and a wonderful, happy healthy new year love micky xxx
Written by
mickyjoan4
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Wonderful suggestion beech ! Bring a HUGE hanky and every time someone zeros in put it over your mouth and say you really wouldn't want them to get your sore throat! Oh , and don't forget to bring anti-bacterial wipes or gel.
I really feel your delema. It’s a tough one but if you wear a hospital mask nobody will TOUCH you. If that doesn’t work for ya I’d say avoid eye contact, could you wear pretty gloves, scarf and whatever you can think of to give yourself a bigger area of “personal space”? Or if all else fails go with honesty. “ I’ve missed you all, love you much but I’ve been ill last several years an one more cold or flu could kill me.” I’m guessing that’d work or my old personal favorite-get your beverage of choice and go hide in the bathroom til it’s all over. Make sure people see you from a distance so they all know you’re there just don’t be readily available to them. Hope you got something out of that , best of luck & Merry Christmas
On This Sad Occasion I would wear a Mask. I am used to wearing them, to avoid contamination more so at this time of year. Please do not be Embarrassed by telling them you have COPD and cannot afford catching a Cold. Happy Christmas Day Hun. xxxx
I think Beech and Caspiana have the right idea! They will want to avoid colds, etc!
I don’t see why you have to turn it around and put the blame on yourself. People need to be aware of your issues with other people’s germs whatever the occasion. Personally I am a goid kiss dodger and swift on my feet!
Merry Christmas to you and its a terrible time to say goodbye to our loved ones. I would tend to go with Caspiana and beech whose hankie over the nose/mouth area,so they dont catch your cold,will save any further discussions on the matter. Dont forget to wrap yourself up nice and warm and I hope everything goes as well as can be expected.
Having had two flare ups this year plus several chest infections I have a word of advice (literally from my GP's mouth). Stay away from crowds and close contact with other people. You don't have to treat them like lepers but, as Beech says, be polite and explain that you don't want to pass on any infections. Good luck and have a nice Christmas.
Something similar happened to me a few weeks ago and I was unable to attend the funeral of a very dear friend due to a chest infection. It was the hardest decision not to attend and I felt very sad. Please do whatever it takes to care primarily for yourself.
Just tell the truth - hugging and kissing is not mandatory. Can’t understand it tbh - twenty or more years ago we respected each other’s personal space. It was much better.
Try living in France, it is impolite not to give a double cheek kiss, if it's good friends 4 !!!!!! I am now very rude and ask before I go into a room of people, if any one has a cold etc and yes I wear Vicks, my family and people that know me well no longer even hug and keep away if they have an infection, do rather feel like a leper though.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Lung Cancer
Asthma/ emphysema 
Advice please regarding grandchildren
Face masks
