Family weekend away.

[Bail8y]

I have COPD and Bronchiectasis, my family has organised a weekend away this weekend, my son has come down with a cold and wants to stay away because he does not want me to catch anything. I told him I can pass people in shops etc and it's a risk. We are not in the same car or our home, we have rented a place for the night. I need help deciding if I should tell him to stay away. We can't wrap ourselves up in cotton wool and we have to live our lives as well as possible. Can I have some views please.

[2greys]

Personally, I do not wrap myself in cotton wool at all, quality of life is very important and just carry on as normal. That does not mean I do take all reasonable cautions when out and about, to minimise contact with any bugs. There is being sensible and paranoiac about it though.

[Bail8y in reply to 2greys]

Thanks, I don't wrap myself up in cotton wool either. My son shows a lot of concern as I was seriously ill just over 18 months ago when I had an exacerbation and had respiratory failure. It just that it is my 70th birthday celebration and as I said we can keep our distance and anybody can have colds etc were we are going. Thanks for your reply.

[Caspiana]

Hmmm... That's a difficult one Bail8y . I can understand his concern considering you were so very ill before. Perhaps he could wear a mask when you are together? I know it's not common in the UK but we do it often in Japan to avoid catching colds. Just avoid staying in really close proximity and I assume your sleeping quarters are separate so that should be fine. Wash your hands frequently and just take sensible precautions. Take good care of yourself.

Cas xx 🌞🌻

[HungryHufflepuff]

Happy birthday, I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your family 🎂

[Bail8y in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Thank you

[Hidden]

A difficult one. Last time my son came to stay with me overnight I caught a bug that he was brewing which turned into my first exacerbation for 12 months. He is a pilot and he does pick up some strange viruses. Saying that I was with him in his house over xmas. He was loaded with cold and I didn’t catch it.

I usually put nasal guard cold and flu blocker ( from boots) around my mouth and nose whenever going to theatre etc and the gel is always in my pocket. I haven’t had a cold for over 2 years until I caught my son’s virus. Oh and remember the vitamin D.

What would I do? I would thank him for being so considerate, tell him to come, not hug him and be scrupulous with the precautions.

Have a great weekend!

[Bail8y in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I hope he does come. He is very caring and helped me and his stepdad so much and still does.

[sassy59]

I understand how difficult things can be, Pete has been exposed to a cold or two and been fine. It depends how many people have colds though as last time Pete had a chest infection.

Can you use First Defence or similar? It works well. Otherwise Vaseline, if not on oxygen, to form a barrier in each nostril. Tea tree is also good.

Have a fun weekend and happy birthday. Xxxxx

[Bail8y in reply to sassy59]

Thank you I'll get first defence and I have tea tree oil too.

[Whitechinchilla]

That’s tricky.

I have taken to using the sterilised hand wash and rubbing a little underneath my nostrils when faced with someone with a cold.

Also sucking a very strong cough sweet helps me to think the germs won’t get past my lips🤣( I am banned from chewing garlic in the company of my boys🤣🤣)

Just be careful that you avoid skin contact with the birthday hugs.

Go and enjoy yourself Bail8y.

Life is short enough so anytime you can spend with your family is precious.

Good wishes for a wonderful birthday however you spend it, x

[hypercat54]

Hi I agree with the others. Take all the precautions you can but it wouldn't be the same without your son there would it? Have a great holiday. x

[Bail8y]

Thank you, I have loads of sanitiser for hands and just bought First Defence. As you say life is too short, my family nearly lost me when I was ill and we want to enjoy every precious moment we can. Will let you all know how it went. Thank you

[gingermusic]

I have been with my son and grand children when they had coughs and colds and never caught it, maybe just lucky but we cannot stay away from every cold it is impossible go away and enjoy it.

[Bella395]

As you asked for views, mine is that people should be able to make their own choices with no pressure. If staying home is what he wants to do then let him do so with your blessing.

[Ergendl]

Hope you're having a wonderful birthday weekend with your family.

[Izb1]

Have a fantastic time with all your family including your son and enjoy every minute. I use nasal guard when going out now and havent had a cold for quite a while, I swear by it. Happy birthday to you xx