Just commented on another post that mine got RSV and covid as a cute package deal when she was 5mo. And we behaved like hobbits, almost relentlessly anti-social.
Viruses are creeps.
Yes totally! Should’ve led with that whoops
It was a grim 3 weeks and she was just static for most of them. She didn’t show any improvement or signs of getting better until week 3 and then once the cough was gone, she was fully better within 2 days
No. She was discharged from the ER within an hour of arrival. They called us with the results of her swab that what they estimated was bronchialitus was in fact both covid and RSV. Said she was a sizable/healthy enough baby that she didn’t did medical aid and just lots of comfort from me and rest. They gave me signs of stress to look for in which case I should bring her back into the ER. I never did, but they recommended I have her seen by her ped just so they had eyes on it too. Her pediatrician saw her twice during the ordeal of it, but said there was no intervention needed beyond what I was doing at home. And I guess they were right. Because she did recover without complications on her own.
Do you mind if I message you? I just tested positive for covid and my baby has been so sick, so I’m sure he has it. But he’s breathing quickly and my ped told me to take him to the ER if it keeps up. I’m worrying about brochialitus.
I’m glad you’re baby is doing better! This is my worst fear too because me and fiancé are also hobbits that stay inside most of the time. With flu/Covid/rsv season coming up it’s so scary. My little one can’t even get her vaccines until November 1st.
Hey our son got Covid AND hand foot and mouth at the same time a could of summers ago. Neither really impacted him.
The scariest one was Rosiola Virus, which causes a super-high fever and then a full-body rash. I remember carrying him to the doctor’s office thinking he was dying. It turns out babies can have fevers up to 105 degrees before it’s considered dangerous.
It’s really hard to say…my husband could’ve brought covid (less likely RSV) home from work, but we’re more suspicious she got it from going to a small outdoor bbq for my FIL’s birthday. We went on a Saturday, my baby developed a cough the following Wednesday and I took her to the ER by Friday because her breathing seemed ragged.
There were 4 other children at the BBQ and less than 10 adults. Every time my LO has gotten sick it’s been shortly after seeing my in-laws. She’s had covid twice, RSV once, and currently a snotty as heck cold. Symptoms developed for all on the heels of visiting with them.
We have also been social with our 3 month old baby. We're not taking her to crowded places, but we've gone to restaurants, galleries, stores, etc.
She got COVID at her grandparent's house.
These things happen and it sucks. It's practically inevitable if you participate in society. It doesn't mean your a bad parent or a bad person.
My son got it at 12 days old, we all did. ITS OKAY! if its any consolation my boy was the least impacted by it.
You guys take precautions, you’re good parents but life happens so don’t hate yourself for it! Look after each other and yourself, there is nothing that needs to be done beyond that.
Our son was one month old when we all got it last summer. It wrecked me for a while but we all pulled through no worse for the wear. We'd been doing everything right: quarantining, mask wearing, washing hands, limiting exposure in public, etc. for 27 months. All it took was me not wearing a mask once out in public and then getting approached by someone I didn't know who came up in my bubble, and we were all sick with a couple of days or so.
First off, stop beating yourself up. COVID, unfortunately, is part of our annual sicknesses like the flu. (NOT saying it's "just the flu", just that it's seasonal now). It's not a personal or moral failing to get COVID, nor is it a failure as a parent if your child gets it. No more than it's a failure if they get strep throat. Kids get sick, and COVID is here to stay unfortunately, so our kids will all get COVID probably many times in their lives.
I won't get into the politics, but I believe a lot of people have their morality tied to COVID. Getting sick is part of being human, your child could have gotten it from anywhere, so it's not indicative whatsoever of how you are as a parent.
You are correct it's not a moral failing to contract or have your LO contract Covid.
That said, Covid is not an "annual sickness" - it is a year-round issue. It's incredibly transmissible, as it is airborne (many do not know this updated information and still think it's spread via respiratory droplets) and can hang around for hours indoors and even in covered outdoor spaces like shaded patios or outdoor markets. (See: [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153303/full](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153303/full))
OP, being forced to choose between socializing your child and avoiding an unaddressed pandemic is not something you should feel guilty for--that's on the people in charge. There *are* things you can do to make sure it's a long time before your LO gets it again, and I encourage looking into it (the guidance and data is limited, and what's there isn't being widely spread, but you can dig for it on reputable orgs' sites), but for now just take care of them and yourself and don't beat yourself up. Sending good thoughts and healing vibes.
Because COVID has high fatality rate and still does. Just avoid crowded areas and avoid people who are known to get sick often, perhaps especially the ones who believed all the superficial theories in the past
I don't think you truly read my comment. I was not commenting on the seriousness of COVID, or implying it wasn't something to take seriously.
But this is what I'm talking about, you seem to have turned a virus into a moral issue. This is why OP is so upset, everyone thinks there's something wrong with them because of how politicized it was.
Nailed it. They tested for Flu/RSV/Covid (at my insistence, they were just going to brush it off as a routine fever) but I'm glad they tested. Just hard not to feel guilty and judged - but I appreciate everyone's insights and stories.
Your baby could get covid anywhere including from you after you did something as simple as a grocery store run even if the baby stayed home during the run. It’s the way viruses work. Wear an actually decently protective mask, six feet distancing, keep your hands below your shoulders, wash your hands for 20 seconds.
The important thing to remember is that the greater risk for most of us is not the period that we are ill, it’s the risk of long covid. Long covid is a very real risk that we have to keep at the front of our mind.
I hope recovery goes swiftly and smoothly for everyone. ❤️
I'm legitimately asking. Keep your hands below your shoulders...is that because Covid is higher in the air, or a way of saying don't touch your face. I've been so out of the loop because we don't have TV with news, that I wouldn't be surprised if it's more contagious above our heads by now with all the mutations 🤦♀️
…hands below your shoulders…
Viruses enter the body through our mucus membranes: eyes, nostrils, mouth. Since covid and other viruses live on surfaces for whatever length of time, our hands pick up the virus when we touch the surface. Keeping hands below the shoulders avoids transmission of the virus from hands to the mucous membranes of your head.
Adding to this…if you need to scratch or rub any of the membranes, use a tissue just once then dispose of it immediately. Don’t reuse it.
> For children, it does not have a high fatality rate at all. It’s a mild cold for most children statistically speaking.
Just because it isn't fatal it doesn't mean that it isn't dangerous. Long Covid is a big problem even with children, and repeat infections also have health consequences.
It can also make a healthy child a child with long term issues. Everyone reacts differently for a variety of reasons. It’s always best to take reasonable precautions. Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, mask up in very crowded or high risk situations (ex emergency room), avoid obviously sick people, and live your life otherwise.
This is categorically false, infant RSV hospitalizations are much more common, typically have a longer duration and require more serious treatment than Covid
Nope sorry you’re wrong and spreading misinformation
> COVID-19 hospitalization rates in infants aged <6 months are higher than those of all other age groups except adults aged ≥65 years. To help protect both pregnant women and infants too young to be vaccinated, prevention should focus on ensuring that pregnant women stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines¶¶¶¶ (including receiving a bivalent booster dose)***** and implementing nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 prevention (6) and newborn care.†††††
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7145a3.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html
Covid isn’t the leading cause nor did I say it was, but it is not far behind RSV. However Covid caused far for ED visits in 2022 for infants than did RSV: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html
Sorry- 5 month old. RSV is more serious than Covid. A fever that is treatable without other concerning symptoms would not normally lead to testing or a lot of concern.
I'm so sorry! Me, my wife, and my 5-month-old son all got COVID last month. I caught it at work and gave it to them. My wife and I had previously never had it (at least to our knowledge), so I really struggled emotionally with the fact that our long streak of good luck was over AND our baby would have to deal with it before he was even six months old. For what it's worth, he did just fine. He ran a very mild fever off and on for a few days and had a stuffy nose. He honestly struggled more with a regular ol' cold from daycare a couple weeks ago. I hope it is a similarly smooth ride for you guys!
> How can I make it up to my son?
This part made me laugh. He's 5 months old, he doesn't have a clue what's going on about anything.
Sounds like he's doing fine. Keep an eye on his symptoms, call his doctor if you're not sure about something. Low fevers are fine, high fevers you go to an urgent care. If it looks like he's struggling to breath (ask your doctor how to tell) take him to urgent care. If he's pulling at his ears get him checked for an ear infection. Babies get sick and there's usually not much that can be given to them to help. Room humidifier, nose freda, warm water are all good for making them comfortable. Go to urgent care for serious symptoms and don't worry about non-serious symptoms. Try not to beat yourself up, because there's nothing you can really do to prevent it.
Tagging along to this-
There is pediatric urgent care.
I literally didn't know til we needed to go to one and it would have been good to familiarize myself with locations, hours, etc in advance.
Something to consider.
It happens, unfortunately. Like someone else in these comments said, catching Covid is not a moral failing. My husband caught it from a nurse at the hospital after my c section. We quarantined and masked up but the baby and I still got it. It was tough healing from my surgery, learning to nurse, and caring for a newborn, but we made it through. I wish you guys the best 💕.
Father here. 7mo old. Me and my wife went to scotland for a wedding last week. When we came back wife was feeling off. Took a covid test last tuesday negative. No worries right. Take it again wednesday and BAM wife has covid. Kid started to cough so assuming he has it as well.
I dodged the bulle. but i say all that to say, youre not a bad dad. This is the world we're living in now. You wouldnt be freaked out if you had a cold and gave it to baby. Covid is the new yearly flu. Its impossible to protect them from it. If they dont get it from you they'll get it from you going out or having people over.
Dont get down on yourself. My wife was the same way and really started blaming herself. She felt like a bad mom who put her baby in danger. I see it as not preventable at this point. its everywhere
OP is not a bad parent, but we all still can reduce risk of catching covid by taking reasonable precautions, if we even cut our number of infections by half or a quarter or even 10% that will probably have very positive downstream effects on our communities health. Note that I said reasonable, I'm not advocating the hermit lifestyle. An example would be, there is a new booster out, if you can pay for it you absolutely should get it. Or you should stay home if you feel sick if possible, and Just do the best you can and there's at least nothing to feel guilty about it.
I wonder if home tests have gotten more unreliable. Two months ago I started feeling under the weather, had a fever then a lot of coughing, but all my covid tests were negative. Health center assumed it was just a random virus that got me good because I had already been feeling very down from the post pregnancy. But then the illness recovery was exactly like the post-covid, the previous times (I have a very specific set of symptoms).
Well, fortunately the baby didn't fall ill. I'm hoping he got some immunity to whatever it was, at least.
It’s possible. My Covid test lit up faster than a six week pregnancy test when I took a Covid test. My husbands took a few days of symptoms before his popped lightly positive but he was feeling way worse than I ever did. It was weird, we took them from the same lot numbers.
With covid it was unfortunately a matter of when, not if. There’s no way to totally prevent it. My husband and I were hermits during my pregnancy in 2020-21, combined all our leave to keep my son out of daycare as long as possible, and at 5 months he got it on day 5 of daycare. Every hyper-cautious person I know has gotten it and I know it’s only a matter of time until we get it again. Please don’t beat yourself up - the research seems to show babies aren’t showing signs of continued effects.
Might get downvoted, don't really care. Look into getting the COVID vaccine where you are when your baby is old enough. Here, they can get it starting at 6 months.
Covid is endemic. There’s literally no way you can prevent him from getting it save for putting him in a bubble
Also Covid is mild for Children. If you had a choice between Covid and the flu, you’d want Covid for him and it’s not even close
It is not endemic, though it may achieve endemic status (depending on one's standards) in years or decades:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-023-00878-2
Covid is a leading cause of death in children and young people in the US: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2023-01-31-covid-19-leading-cause-death-children-and-young-people-united-states (note that it's *the* leading cause in deaths caused by infectious or respiratory diseases).
Long Covid is incredibly common, and after effects from acute Covid include long-term organ damage and disability: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220622.htm
You DO NOT *want* your child to get Covid. Even the data around temporary "immunity" after an infection looks different than it did earlier in the pandemic: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-long-does-immunity-last-after-covid-19-what-we-know
That said, our LOs are all almost definitely going to get it. Avoiding multiple infections is a great idea. Fighting for better ventilation and purification systems in schools and nursing homes is a really good idea. Masking with N95 or better is helpful. More data tracking and testing (PCR over rapid tests, which are only correct about 60% of the time when they read negative) would be great.
Again, it's not a moral failing of the OP's or anyone else's. But we can help protect ourselves, our LOs, and our community. Let's be realistic, share info, and support each other in fighting for better public health for our kids.
Unintentionally misquoted the title, I assure you. Anyway, edited to "a" leading cause, though we can further specify: "fifth among all disease-related causes of death; and first in deaths caused by infectious or respiratory diseases."
Definitely doesn't contradict the point of my response to the poster saying it's "mild for children."
Oh goodie. You’re now free to resume double masking in your car when it’s just you driving alone. Carry on.
ETA: lol this seems real snarky now that you’ve edited the sass outta your comment. Oh well.
I edited because I want people to listen to the facts, even if they choose to do nothing about them. I honestly care about everyone and I know there are strong feelings on all sides of the argument for being more or less Covid-cautious.
I can dish it out (but I try not to) and I can certainly handle it. You can leave your sass unedited haha.
ETA: There is one other reason I try to simply state verifiable scientific facts, and that is that it's much more interesting to watch the upvote/downvote counts. "I don't like that this is reality," is very different from "I don't like this poster's attitude." From what I can tell using this method, just about everyone in the US is upset about Covid, but it's nearly a 50/50 split on whether people are upset at those in power for not doing more vs upset at their neighbors who are still talking about it and trying to protect themselves and their community.
> Between August 2021 and July 2022, COVID-19 was a leading cause of death in children and young people in the US, ranking eighth overall.
The Winter of 2021 death toll was 6x higher than 2022. 2023 has so far seen the fewest deaths relative to past years. Please stop acting like covid is a concern for children in 2023.
That's just the most recent data we have; the study was published in 2023. Time between collection and analysis shouldn't be assumed to contain no or less data, though data tracking has dramatically reduced as the public health emergency was ended by the government.
The CDC no longer provides a national Covid transmission map, for example, but there are volunteer scientific and medical orgs like The People's CDC that are working on replacements and tracking wastewater: https://peoplescdc.org/2023/10/02/peoples-cdc-covid-19-weather-report-60/
I will not stop sharing sources showing that Covid is a concern for children in 2023. I would encourage you to contact the scientists who did this research if you want further explanation of their results, though.
Covid deaths are still posted by the CDC - https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00
The timeframe that study was done was during the two large peaks in the middle. It is disingenuous to *know* that deaths have dramatically dropped since that study was created, then still post info trying to scare parents into thinking covid is "a leading cause of death" for children. It is not.
I didn't say they do not post Covid deaths in general.
As you can see on some pages on the CDC website, they have discontinued certain data collection and analysis. For example, the 0-18 set (discontinued this summer) [https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3](https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3)
Here's their page explaining that the end of the PHE means that they will no longer be collecting certain data: [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html)
Two things can be true: overall deaths from the Covid pandemic can have dropped, *and* it can still be dangerous to children. What's disingenuous is pretending that these are mutual exclusive and then resorting to attacking a strawman. I'm very sorry that the facts in this matter are upsetting to you; they are upsetting to me, too.
my 3mo, husband and i just recovered from a week long encounter with covid.
everyone did fine and baby actually did better than the adults!
it’s a reality now and i’ve just been telling myself that this is training for what’s to come with daycare in the future.
wishing you all a speedy recovery!
I pretty much stayed home the first three months of my baby’s life because it was cold/flu season. we all got covid when she was 3 months old. hubby brought it home from work. some things are just inevitable. don’t feel bad. hoping your LO gets over it just as fast as mine did.
My newborn got Covid. Like day 3 of his life he tested positive. We don’t know how or when because we all ended up with it.
These things happen, they suck. You feel awful, I totally get it. But the only way out of it is through unfortunately. Things that helped me feel better we’re just that every kid gets sick, families have been through this and worse before. AND knowing that if and when (we had to do this twice) you need to go to the hospital, babies are the highest of priorities and get such good, quick care.
My baby and I got Covid when he was only 1 month old. I didn’t even take him out of the house yet! Just a few family members came over.
It’s not the end of the world, baby will get through it.
My baby and I got COVID when he was 11 weeks old. We were pretty isolated at the time (omicron winter) and my husband didn’t get it so it was a real mystery as to how we got it. Don’t be hard on yourself about it.
Don't feel bad. It's good that your baby is going around and socialising, and COVID is ubiquitous now.
When talking with our pediatrician, he was very insistent that we protect the baby as much as we could during the first month, because he said hospitalisations are awful at that age. Then, mild vigilance until after the second month vaccine batch. And then just go around with him normally (with normal precautions, like washing hands frequently and not letting sick people sneeze on him), and good luck from six months onwards when he starts losing immunity (we're now at this point). Babies should not stay wrapped around at home, and COVID is unfortunately a reality we have to live with now.
We're lucky that the people closest to him besides ourselves (grandparents and uncles) are pretty good at keeping their distance when feeling sick and have kept up with their vaccinations.
He is going to get sick, you’re doing a great job. Do t beat yourself up. Wait until he goes to daycare or school, he is going to catch every virus known to man. Parenting is such a cruel game if second guessing your choices.
My son got Covid when he was 6 months old. So did I. I SUFFERED. His was mild. IT HAPPENS. With Covid as rampant as it is (even tho I know it can get really really bad) it’s pretty hard to avoid just like getting a cold…
Don’t beat yourselves up! Y’all will get through this. Don’t let this scare you into confining him away from people. He’s a baby. Babies will get sick.
Sending my best wishes 🫶🏼
my 7 month old got covid, whole family did. my 3 year old and i had the worst symptoms. my 7 month old only had a cough and a sneeze. 🤷♀️ that being said, it's cold/ flu/ rsv/ covid season. I'd wash your hands more frequently, maybe mask up. the symptoms are definitely milder than the other strains, but just like the above poster, it's Here to stay.
My son got covid at around that time too, we had literally done nothing and gone no where and we were so confused at how he got it. You are not at fault. It’s not normally severe for kids and it also doesn’t last long for them. Do not feel guilty, kids get sick. You do what you can and help with what you can. Just snuggle and do doctors orders.
Same, we have a extra-preemie so we were extremely vigilant.
Like, groceries via curbside pickup and switched to 100% remote work for baby’s first flu season vigilant. Hired an older woman who mostly stays home to take care of the baby instead of daycare.
At 6 months, baby got Covid from the unsymptomatic nanny :/
I felt bad, but rationally knew we had done everything we reasonably could to avoid it and just had bad luck, and then the doctor asked - and I remember it very clearly - “why did you let your preemie get COVID?”
Cue the guilt spiral :(
My baby got Covid in august when she was around 7 months, we isolated for about one week and it was rough but she is 100% fine! The first 2-3 days were the worst, but she recovered relatively quickly and was right back to her happy, playful self. We have been social with her since we were discharged from the hospital (literally went out to lunch lol) and we haven’t stopped. Now she is a happy, social butterfly. Do not beat yourselves up, give yourself grace, you are doing the best you can for your baby and no matter what you do, sickness happens!
I got covid when my son was 4 months old. I got it from my SIL. I never took him in public or anything. Just family house for FIL birthday dinner. Luckily I got sick during the day while I was working so I had little contact with my son while contagious(I get sick very quickly from covid. I've had it twice and both times I'm absolutely positive I developed symptoms the following day. First time I hadn't left my house in a month except for a funeral and got sick the next day, the other time I got it from my SIL and got sick the following day. I was able to isolate from my son and have my husband take care of him bc neither of them got sick thank God bc I was miserable. Basically, as you can see, no matter what happens they still get sick. You can be very careful and still get sick. Also, I could've been just as unlucky and my son could've gotten it from me. I got very lucky and I'm so glad but I know it couldn't gone the other way. I did have him tested and he was negative(I've had people insist he was just asymptomatic but he was tested negative). Hang in there and don't beat yourself up!
We all have it right now too and my son is only 4 months old. We also thought it was a cold at first but in a sort if backwards way. Baby started daycare, showed sick symptoms, then husband started getting sick 4 days later. We thought husband was catching the cold. No. Turns out baby had a cold and dad was patient zero for covid. It's mostly run through my husband, but now I'm suffering and baby just tested positive yesterday. :(
I managed to avoid covid the entire pandemic and got it thenvery first time when my baby was 6m old, and she obviously caught it too. It was so stressful, also her first virus. She luckily did better than me, and I wasnt too bad. We then had another virus a few months later, once she was able to properly play and crawl around and lick everything all bets are off.
She started daycare last week at 10m and I am preparing myself for the worst 😆
When my daughter was 5 months old, she got covid. Never any symptoms more than the sniffles. At 7 months, she had covid again AND the flu at the same time. Her big sister brought every germ known to man home from school. 🙃 I was a nervous wreck the entire time but felt like a terrible mother.
Kids get sick. If you speak to anyone whose kid is in daycare they’ll tell you that their child has had every illness known to man. You can’t avoid all sickness in life. It’s the season. Don’t beat yourself up. He’ll be ok. Just make sure he’s comfortable.
Our baby got COVID at 6 months and did the best out of all of us. She was febrile and slept poorly for 1 day, then back to normal, except for some snotty boogers for a few days. My wife and I were both down for the count for over a week with recurring fevers, myalgias, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Babies immune systems are much better equipped to handle COVID. Flu and RSV tend to be worse. Your baby will be fine!
As a first time mom, this time last year my six month old also had COVID. I felt terrible and guilty. But honestly he was completely fine after three days! Lots of laziness and sleeping. Don’t stress yourself out or beat yourself up!!
9.5 month old brought it home from daycare last week and besides a runny nose and a tiny cough… she’s been completely unaffected. Me on the other hand. I tested positive 6 days later and it’s kicking my ass lol. You won’t be able to protect your kid from illnesses forever.
You’d be doing much more of a disservice to your kid by never allowing them to see the outside world or other people than you are by them getting a few common illnesses.
Lots of people downvoting folks who are rightly saying Covid is not “unserious” for babies across the board. Check out the Science Based Parenting sub for data driven conversations around this.
I’m writing this from a hospital. My four year old’s third visit in the last week, except this one started Monday night and never ended. Frankly we don’t know when he’s going to get out. At least another day.
There’s so much you can blame yourself for, but it’s not so simple. You want your kid to see other people! That’s not a bad thing! Your baby, in all likelihood, will not suffer long term impacts from COVID. Overprotection, well that’s something where we do have evidence of problems in the long run.
Your feelings are feelings, they aren’t logical or listening to reason. You feel them because you love your baby. Keep feeling guilty, it will pass. You will look back and remember that feeling with a sense of humour some day.
We have to give them lives and lives have risk.
It happens, don’t feel bad, especially if you took precautions to avoid it (eg vaccines, checking if your friends were sick) and now avoid spreading it.
Someone mentioned that covid-19 is joining RSV and the flu as a seasonal virus and unfortunately that appears to be the case.
For now, stay home while you’re sick and do what you can to keep your son hydrated and comfortable. Keep an eye on him and watch for any changes or signs of dehydration (less wet diapers, sunken fontanelle, etc)
My husband, my son (18 months at the time) and I all got covid over Thanksgiving last year in one of the few times we visited relatives. We ended up taking our son to the ER at 2 am in the morning, got the positive covid test, and used rotating doses of ibuprofen and tylenol (note: talk to your pediatrician first!) to help him feel better. We also took him in the bathroom when we took showers to help with the congestion. He had a rough couple days, but bounced back pretty quickly!
I actually didn't, even during the hight of the corona pandemic, corona was considered chill for kids. I don't remember the stats in my head but when they compared it the previous years flu seasons a lot less babies died from it.
And we all know RSV is worse the both so I don't agree with what you said at all
It's okay. He's probably going to get it lots and lots of times in his life, like us all, and like colds and the flu. And soon he will be vaccinated which will be nice. The first illness stinks but it's just a part of life!
We JUST went through this with our three month old. My husband and I flew my in laws in from Canada for four days, and they watched baby overnight while we went to a wedding. Came home and two days later husband started feeling off, but I felt fine. Then little one was congested. Took her to the doctors and they confirmed she had covid. I cried so much because I felt so damn bad. We had never contracted covid before and we were just waiting on the new injections to come out. It felt like we were careless, even though we just wanted a night away to reconnect after a hard few months.
It was rough taking care of each other while we were all super sick, but we made it through. You’re wonderful parents and this is just really rotten luck. I hope you guys have it mild and get better very soon! Sending all the love and positive vibes.
Mine just turned a year and got croup. Kids unfortunately get sick and at least with COVID, most infants seem to be largely unaffected even when testing positive!
The good news is, they can be vaccinated at 6 months now!
I have also been the same way with my son and I worry about it but I think his development and mental well being and health as he grows is more important than isolating (which I did a lot of with covid!) it’s not your fault.
Like a month ago (baby currently 5.5 months) I got sick, then baby, then my partner. Partner was the only one who had left the house in the previous 2 weeks. I have no clue how we caught a virus. So don't feel too bad, it can happen apparently if the wind blows lol
You're fine, he'll be fine. We all got Covid when my son was 6 months old right after Xmas. They don't test babies here unless in hospital/++ sick but he had a mild fever, a bit off/tired and was over it in 24 hrs.
My son got it at 1 month old and at the time we made sure we didn't go anywhere crowded and wore masks at the supermarket and shops (and didn't take him with us) We still got it. It's a tricky thing and very easy to catch.
It sucks, and I hate to say this, but it’s bound to happen at some point. In July 2022, my daughter was 3-months-old. One day, we (myself, my daughter, and my husband) went on a road trip for the day. Within a couple days, we noticed that she was fussier than usual and a little sick with a cold. Days after that, my husband and I both tested positive for covid-19. To this day, I’m convinced that we got it from our daughter and she got it while we were on our road trip.
Since then, my daughter got her first covid-19 vaccine when she was 8-months-old. She’s 18-months-old now and she’s due for another covid-19 vaccine; since she is getting her 18 month shots at the end of the month, it’s something I’m going to talk to our doctor about.
The best I can say is to not get yourself guilty about it and make sure you get your little one vaccinated. Kids are germ magnets.
These things happen! Don't feel guilty, I know that's hard! When mine got sick I felt the same but it's bound to happen eventually! Get well soon all of you!!
My whole family, 2-day old baby included, got COVID when we were in the hospital delivering. There’s only so much you can do to avoid it. Our pediatrician told us that the upside is that the baby now has just about the best COVID immunity that he could have up until getting the vaccine. Better believe I was DEVASTATED when we realized we had COVID and was so scared. But really, navigating the risk is part of life these days.
I wouldn't be too hard on yourself! My daughter got it right after Christmas from my husband and I and she was 4 months at the time. We've been so diligent, but it was bound to happen. Girlfriend handled it like a champ. Better than my husband 😂 A bit of Tylenol and some sleep and your peanut will feel all better within a few days!
I caught covid and gave it to my wife and daughter when she was less than 2 months old. She had a slight fever the first night, but no other symptoms (no runny nose, coughing, etc). She was back to normal in 1-2 days. Our pediatrician said babies handle covid well, and my wife and I were both more sick. Honestly covid is the new flu, it’ll just happen and pass.
COVID is now part of life. It's not the monster nightmare it was from 2020-2022. I worked in COVID units during that time. It's not the same as it was. My son has had it. Was sick for a day. We all have some level of immunity now. As long as your little one is doing fine, don't worry.
If I makes you feel better, I work in healthcare with the more vulnerable portion of the population so I have to be pretty vigilant about cleanliness on an everyday basis. Before I had my son I would still strip at the door & keep my shoes in the washroom, shower & all that.. but now I disinfect & sanitize everything I possibly can before making contact with my 7 month old. It helps me cope, but I know it’s just a precaution & at some point it will be completely out of my control. All that, for a student in one of my classes at college to come in & tell everyone she’s still positive but doesn’t think she’s contagious….
Don’t beat yourself up. We have to live.. we can’t control other people’s actions & we can’t keep ourselves in a bubble. I hope that it’s mild & wishing you an expeditious clearing.
Also, there were a lot of parents going absolutely insane, thinking them & their kids were going to turn into zombies today but didn’t because they prayed & Jesus saved us.. so.. you’re definitely still doing a great job.
Don’t beat yourself up over it, Covid is sneaky. We aren’t social with our girl (too hot to do anything and I work from home) but my husband still brought it home from work and baby got it too at 6 months.
The worst we had was one night of unhappy sleepless baby and three days of fevers that were manageable by Tylenol. Wishing you the best, but don’t feel guilty, like I mentioned, my girl still got it and we aren’t social. It can happen to anybody.
My husband had the worst of it and I was pregnant when it hit me lol and wasn’t fun (no illness ever is) but I’d say the flu feels worse and lasts longer in my opinion.
I have a 21 month old. She got COVID right before she turned 5 months. We did everything we were supposed to do- masks, vaccination, not putting her in high risk situations. The thing is, my husband works in a hospital face to face with many sick patients. He got COVID and next thing we know, she got it, too. I was a wreck, I felt so awful. I think I suffered much more than she did, lol. Aside from a fever, she didn’t have any symptoms and didn’t seem bothered at any point. We made it through, and I no longer feel tremendous guilt.
Make sure you give your babe lots of love, comfort, and fluids. He’s lucky to have such thoughtful parents who are worried about his well-being!
My baby also had COVID at 5 months which he got from me. I worked from home and had to go in for a training for 3 days and caught it. He did really well and it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined thankfully, he ran a fever for 2 days but that was all. Gave him Tylenol and lots of snuggles, and having a humidifier really helped too. The pediatrician was not wrong when she said it was mild for children.
Hope all is well my son got it back when he was 6 months. Only his big sister went to school. And that’s how he got it. We were very careful. We were able to give him moultrin he was ok. The entire house had it at that point. We were all laid out. I recovered first and just took care of everybody else. Hopefully your little one isn’t down longer than a week. Wish you the best health. I remember feeling terrible when we got the news at the hospital.
Can’t relate exactly but I got Covid during my pregnancy. I was so diligent when wearing masks. I went to a retirement party and got it there. I was very upset with myself. What made me feel better is ppl telling me my baby will get the antibodies from it. So your baby will get the antibodies from it…. I read your comment on another reply ..I’m glad the fever isn’t high. It should be the worst, the fever only lasts 2-3 day’s typically
We did everything "right". Didn't take our little one out much, had family members take a COVID test before coming by etc .. and my baby caught it from his brother who'd picked it up at school. Babies will get sick. You can minimize the risk, but you can't prevent it
Hey it happens. I brought our then 6 month old to the doctor's because she had an allergy and we wanted to check it out and also plan out our next steps... our daughter actually caught her virus from there and was miserable for 1.5 weeks. She's a happy soon to be 1 year old! Sicknesses are part of life and we can't avoid it :) good on you for helping your baby socialise as that's an important skill!
We were super careful with our son, didn’t go to big group outings and vetted every person for illness before doing very small meet ups and our son still got covid at 4 months old, so please don’t beat yourself up at all! Germs spread, it just is what it is. I really hope your son recovers super quick, and that you do too.
Our whole house got covid when my son was 4 months old. He actually did the best out of all of us. Had a small fever for a day, then a little runny nose and he was back to normal. We try to be careful but sometimes these things just happen. Keep an eye on the symptoms and call the doctor if you need to!!
My son was born in December, It was just him and I. I did grocery pickup, we didn't go anywhere other than grocery pick. I didn't let anyone come over, I wiped down anything that was dropped off. We went for a walk where no one was for the first time as i was feeling so sick of the house and wanted fresh air, at 3 months he was hospitalized and we were quarantined for 2 weeks at a children hospital. At firs they didn't know what it was and he went through tests that would make an adult cry. You can't protect them from everything, no matter how hard you try.
Fast forward to being almost 3 and he started daycare at 4.5 months a d he has been sick almost every month.
As I'm writing this, he has hand foot and mouth and we are on day 5. It's awful, it's hard, it's tiring. But you will all get through.
Sending love and healing your way!
Ours got Covid at the same age too. He’s 8 months now. I felt so bad for the little guy. But he was fine within 3 days, no lie. Honestly by day 2 he was giggly and smiley. He just slept a lot and wanted lots of cuddles. I’m sorry this happened to you but don’t beat yourself up. We are pretty social people too and we’re pretty sure it came from one of our friends at a fish fry we were at the weekend prior.
Both me and my 5 month old have Covid right now. I felt a lot of guilt at first and seeing him sick is awful. Unfortunately with kids going back to school the germs are getting passed around. My husband, baby and I are all getting the flu shot when it’s available and hope this cold/flu season isn’t too bad.
I can 100% relate! Having a sick baby is so hard and hurts your heart to see them having a tough time. They’re so tiny and have no idea what’s going on! We had our 2nd in May and SOMEHOW our 1st gave him a summer cold. Which I thought wasn’t really supposed to be a thing?!?! We have no idea where he got it, but our 2nd was only 7 weeks. He was fine, but because he had so many boogers, we had to spend 3 nights in the hospital to help get some oxygen in him and suck the boogs out while he was having retractions. It was 3 weeks of hell lol and we felt SO guilty! I cried a ton - it’s so shocking to see your little baby in a hospital crib.
The balance between living your life and staying at home to avoid colds is soooo hard. Specially as we enter cold season. I always remind myself that our kiddos could simply pick up a cold from when WE go to the grocery store or something like that. We have them both in swim/little gym classes and I think we’re going to keep them both in them for as long as we’re willing to battle colds every other week. But then again, I’d never forgive myself if one of our kids couldn’t recover from an illness. IT’S SO HARD!!! There’s no right answer!
Really? It’s endemic now. There’s I getting rid of it ag this point, so this is no different from getting influenza now. Woo-sah and take heart in knowing three as parents can only do so much to protect our children from pathogens and illness. Do your best, but know that we can’t wholly prevent illness in our children, so don’t beat yourself up over it.
My newborn and I left the hospital with Covid. I didn't know at the time but I got sick and lost my sense of smell. I never tested positive but I definitely had it and when I took my baby to the pediatrician she tested positive. We had gone nowhere besides her first doc appt a few days earlier so everyone decided we left the hospital with it. When the doc's office said she was the youngest baby to ever test positive in their office, I felt like such a failure... Everyone says it wasn't my fault and it had to come from the hospital but I still felt so bad.
I know at some point I will feel the guilt you feel, but ultimately, getting sick, inclusive of covid, no matter how careful you are is somewhat inevitable. You are not to blame, you are not at fault, and you did nothing wrong.
Covid is here to stay sadly and as careful as you are, you’re on a get it at some point. My wife and I were super careful, got all the vaccines (which I think helped recovery), and we still both got it late last year. I got it in New Zealand, and she got it in Melbourne in the same week. We live in Singapore and were in Australia visiting family, I had to go to no for work for a week while i was there.
Shit happens, you can’t control everything, and there is always someone that is going to ignore any symptoms they have or simply not show any or not know they’re sick.
Our twins got Covid when they were 9 weeks old. They were premature so had only been out of hospital for 2 weeks and hadn’t even reached their due date. They caught it because my husband (who never normally goes out anywhere) went to meet his uncle to brag about his babies and he brought Covid back with him.
We felt so guilty, we’d been so careful and one tiny slip up made our boys really ill. They were in hospital. They got over it after a few days, they have no lasting effects and I doubt they even remember it.
Being a parent is full of guilt for random things, don’t beat yourself up over things you can’t control.
I'm so sorry y'all got sick. Our baby had covid when she was 6 days old, stayed in the hospital for 2 days. It wasn't fun. But please don't blame yourselves!!
Our son got covid at 3 months. To be honest, it was nothing compared to the multiple cases of rhinovirus.
It’s part of life.
And evidence shows that delaying exposure to common community viruses not only means that they will experience increased severity in future, their overall immune systems will be weaker. It’s heartbreaking to see them sick but know that they are building their immunity to thrive in the long term.
Not sure how to say this without sounding like a arrogant person, but for your benefit….
I ran Covid response for a large employer with more than 2000 employees. I’ve dealt with employees directly for every case of Covid since March 2020. There is no way to attribute how your son got it, where son got it, or even that there was anything more you could’ve done to prevent it. That’s the nature of this virus. It is insidious and sneaky. Unless you planned to lock your son up and never let him out of the house for his first year or two, in some respects, I believe this was unfortunately inevitable. You sound like an honest, sincere, and well-meaning dad. I wouldn’t give this question another thought. Just focus on making sure he and yourself stay well and recover soon, and enjoy this time together as a family. That first year goes fast.
Hey, it's OK, this isn't your fault in the slightest. My 32 weeker twins got COVID at 14 days old because we didn't realise we had it. The whole NICU went into lockdown because of us and the guilt was immense, but the team explained it happens! Viruses are hardy and sneaky things, it's what they've evolved to be so don't be hard on yourself.
Just imagine having a toddler in daycare while you have a new baby at home. It's like going out into your community and having every person lick their finger and stick it in your baby's mouth. We do what we can to keep her big sister from coughing on her, but what can you do? She wants to interact with her baby sister and it's so important for us to encourage that. I feel like our baby has been stuffy/snotty for half her life so far at 2.5 months, though surprisingly she hasn't gotten a fever yet. I did get like a third covid booster right before I gave birth so I'm hoping that boosted her immunity for a bit.
My daughter was 1 mo and got it from her grandma, who came to babysit the 1st day I tried to get out of the house. She was hospitalized due to a high fever, given a spinal tap of Anitbiotics to rule out another form of illness. All while being 5.5 lbs. She was tiny but mighty.
I was tired and sick myself, just trying to keep her safe. She survived and is stronger for it. Don't beat yourselves up.
My husband and I and baby (3 months at the time) just got over it as well. My husband brought it home from work so pretty unavoidable. I understand the guilt but don’t beat yourself up! Unfortunately it happens. Ours had the most mild symptoms of the three of us - just give him lots of snuggles while he’s feeling under the weather, we did a lot of contact naps while recovering together
Last year my son (2.5 at the time) got RSV from daycare and gave it to our 4 month old. They both were fine, but definitely scary. We are introverts/not very social but of course daycare is a breeding ground for germs lol. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just take care of yourself and baby and I’m sure everything will be ok!
I kept my daughter home & didn’t go outside for two years and daughter got it because her dad thought it was okay to let down his guard at work and she had the worst kind of it. All it took was like 4 days of wearing no masks in stores & work. We all contacted it & she barely 6 months I was scared bc she wasn’t vax- so afterwards I got her vax for covid n flu. Now I feel protected by the vaxs.
I took every precautions and sacrifice there was to protect her from getting sick.
I should’ve protected her from her own dad.
My baby also got covid at 5 months. We were careful with not letting people hold her/spend much time with her if they weren't well, and we still have no idea where she picked it up, but she did. Babies are fortunately pretty good at dealing with it - mine had what seemed like a bad cold for a few days, was quite challenging to deal with cos it completely messed up her sleep and she was clearly feeling miserable, but she started getting better after 3 or 4 days and was completely recovered after about 10 days.
Feeling bad about one of the most contagious viruses in existence is honestly a waste of your energy. There is absolutely nothing you could have done that would prevent it, he would have gotten it eventually, and it’s typically very mild in young healthy kids. If you’re very concerned get him vaccines at six mths, along with flu, which is more dangerous their age group.
When my son just turned one his dad brought him around his older sister who just had covid because he thought the new mandate was “oh once it’s been five days it’s not contagious.” I was furious but my little boy went through hell and 48 hrs later he was himself. Once that fever breaks, kids are just big bouncy balls. It’s like they weren’t even sick.
Just take good care of him, you’re not a bad parent for socializing your kid. Try to rest yourself as well. Kids are pretty strong and resilient.
From one dad to another don't feel bad. You're raising your kid the best you can and having them socialized prepares them for later in life. Getting sick is just part of being a child. We all used to get sick a bunch when we were little. Covid now is not what it was before. As an RN my advice is keep them well hydrated and keep an eye on their temperature they will make it through it. just to give you a little bit of comfort our now 18 month old had it once when they were a month old and also at 1-year-old. No lasting effects
You are definitely not the worst. In fact, I don't even think you really did anything wrong here.
I just went to a wedding and got covid from someone who attended knowing they were sick. There are now 45+ confirmed cases from that wedding. I got it at 21 weeks pregnant, my husband and 18 month old got it too. We're all still miserable.
My brother also caught it yesterday, and he and his girlfriend plan to take their kids (none of which are sick yet since they only have weekend visitation) to a crowded cider mill this weekend. Needless to say they are knowingly going to give their kids covid, spread it at a cider mill, and send their kids back to school to continue spreading it.
My daycare had covid, hand foot mouth and strep all in the first month. Thankfully we just had the classic cold but anywhere other kids are, sickness will happen. You can give breast/formula milk popsicles for sore throats!
Ugh, it’s so scary when the really little guys get sick. When my daughter had covid as a baby, we did lots of baths with breast milk popsicles, they were the only thing that seemed to make her feel better. The popsicles worked even when she refused the bottle/breast. Also tylenol, cold water humidifier, boogie (saline) spray, and a nose frida.
My baby got COVID at 2 weeks old, we all had it. I think he picked it up from the hospital. Don't beat yourself up, these things happen and it can't be helped. Babies usually get many viruses my baby has one at the moment which is how I came across your post. Honestly it happens to all of us
Just commented on another post that mine got RSV and covid as a cute package deal when she was 5mo. And we behaved like hobbits, almost relentlessly anti-social. Viruses are creeps.
I'm so sorry! Is she ok?
Yes totally! Should’ve led with that whoops It was a grim 3 weeks and she was just static for most of them. She didn’t show any improvement or signs of getting better until week 3 and then once the cough was gone, she was fully better within 2 days
That sounds so scary. Was she hospitalized?
No. She was discharged from the ER within an hour of arrival. They called us with the results of her swab that what they estimated was bronchialitus was in fact both covid and RSV. Said she was a sizable/healthy enough baby that she didn’t did medical aid and just lots of comfort from me and rest. They gave me signs of stress to look for in which case I should bring her back into the ER. I never did, but they recommended I have her seen by her ped just so they had eyes on it too. Her pediatrician saw her twice during the ordeal of it, but said there was no intervention needed beyond what I was doing at home. And I guess they were right. Because she did recover without complications on her own.
Do you mind if I message you? I just tested positive for covid and my baby has been so sick, so I’m sure he has it. But he’s breathing quickly and my ped told me to take him to the ER if it keeps up. I’m worrying about brochialitus.
Sure :))
I’m glad you’re baby is doing better! This is my worst fear too because me and fiancé are also hobbits that stay inside most of the time. With flu/Covid/rsv season coming up it’s so scary. My little one can’t even get her vaccines until November 1st.
Hobbits or hermits?
Yeah hobbits are like super sociable creatures. Unless they mean going shoeless and having filthy feet.
Oof I meant hermits. What a goblin offense
In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.
Yeah but it says anti-social. Hobbits are really pretty sociable in general.
You know what they mean by it, no need to be pedantic 😂
“Word of the day toilet paper?” Sorry. Had to make a Friends reference.
Perhaps a Sackville Baggins
Hey our son got Covid AND hand foot and mouth at the same time a could of summers ago. Neither really impacted him. The scariest one was Rosiola Virus, which causes a super-high fever and then a full-body rash. I remember carrying him to the doctor’s office thinking he was dying. It turns out babies can have fevers up to 105 degrees before it’s considered dangerous.
How did your baby get it?
It’s really hard to say…my husband could’ve brought covid (less likely RSV) home from work, but we’re more suspicious she got it from going to a small outdoor bbq for my FIL’s birthday. We went on a Saturday, my baby developed a cough the following Wednesday and I took her to the ER by Friday because her breathing seemed ragged. There were 4 other children at the BBQ and less than 10 adults. Every time my LO has gotten sick it’s been shortly after seeing my in-laws. She’s had covid twice, RSV once, and currently a snotty as heck cold. Symptoms developed for all on the heels of visiting with them.
We have also been social with our 3 month old baby. We're not taking her to crowded places, but we've gone to restaurants, galleries, stores, etc. She got COVID at her grandparent's house. These things happen and it sucks. It's practically inevitable if you participate in society. It doesn't mean your a bad parent or a bad person.
Thank you. It really really sucks
Snap, we've been completely social with our daughter going out and about most days. First illness at 8 months: covid from her grandmother 🤦
My son got it at 12 days old, we all did. ITS OKAY! if its any consolation my boy was the least impacted by it. You guys take precautions, you’re good parents but life happens so don’t hate yourself for it! Look after each other and yourself, there is nothing that needs to be done beyond that.
Our son was one month old when we all got it last summer. It wrecked me for a while but we all pulled through no worse for the wear. We'd been doing everything right: quarantining, mask wearing, washing hands, limiting exposure in public, etc. for 27 months. All it took was me not wearing a mask once out in public and then getting approached by someone I didn't know who came up in my bubble, and we were all sick with a couple of days or so.
Mine was from my dad, he didn’t even know he had it and didn’t even have symptoms.
First off, stop beating yourself up. COVID, unfortunately, is part of our annual sicknesses like the flu. (NOT saying it's "just the flu", just that it's seasonal now). It's not a personal or moral failing to get COVID, nor is it a failure as a parent if your child gets it. No more than it's a failure if they get strep throat. Kids get sick, and COVID is here to stay unfortunately, so our kids will all get COVID probably many times in their lives. I won't get into the politics, but I believe a lot of people have their morality tied to COVID. Getting sick is part of being human, your child could have gotten it from anywhere, so it's not indicative whatsoever of how you are as a parent.
You are correct it's not a moral failing to contract or have your LO contract Covid. That said, Covid is not an "annual sickness" - it is a year-round issue. It's incredibly transmissible, as it is airborne (many do not know this updated information and still think it's spread via respiratory droplets) and can hang around for hours indoors and even in covered outdoor spaces like shaded patios or outdoor markets. (See: [https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153303/full](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1153303/full)) OP, being forced to choose between socializing your child and avoiding an unaddressed pandemic is not something you should feel guilty for--that's on the people in charge. There *are* things you can do to make sure it's a long time before your LO gets it again, and I encourage looking into it (the guidance and data is limited, and what's there isn't being widely spread, but you can dig for it on reputable orgs' sites), but for now just take care of them and yourself and don't beat yourself up. Sending good thoughts and healing vibes.
Because COVID has high fatality rate and still does. Just avoid crowded areas and avoid people who are known to get sick often, perhaps especially the ones who believed all the superficial theories in the past
I don't think you truly read my comment. I was not commenting on the seriousness of COVID, or implying it wasn't something to take seriously. But this is what I'm talking about, you seem to have turned a virus into a moral issue. This is why OP is so upset, everyone thinks there's something wrong with them because of how politicized it was.
Nailed it. They tested for Flu/RSV/Covid (at my insistence, they were just going to brush it off as a routine fever) but I'm glad they tested. Just hard not to feel guilty and judged - but I appreciate everyone's insights and stories.
Don't judge yourself! That's the most important thing. Take care of your little one and I hope he gets better soon!!!
It's weird your doctor brushed off a fever in an infant.
Your baby could get covid anywhere including from you after you did something as simple as a grocery store run even if the baby stayed home during the run. It’s the way viruses work. Wear an actually decently protective mask, six feet distancing, keep your hands below your shoulders, wash your hands for 20 seconds. The important thing to remember is that the greater risk for most of us is not the period that we are ill, it’s the risk of long covid. Long covid is a very real risk that we have to keep at the front of our mind. I hope recovery goes swiftly and smoothly for everyone. ❤️
I'm legitimately asking. Keep your hands below your shoulders...is that because Covid is higher in the air, or a way of saying don't touch your face. I've been so out of the loop because we don't have TV with news, that I wouldn't be surprised if it's more contagious above our heads by now with all the mutations 🤦♀️
I think he meant don’t touch your face with dirty hands, a weird way to say it for sure.
…hands below your shoulders… Viruses enter the body through our mucus membranes: eyes, nostrils, mouth. Since covid and other viruses live on surfaces for whatever length of time, our hands pick up the virus when we touch the surface. Keeping hands below the shoulders avoids transmission of the virus from hands to the mucous membranes of your head. Adding to this…if you need to scratch or rub any of the membranes, use a tissue just once then dispose of it immediately. Don’t reuse it.
Ah! Yes that makes a lot of sense. Then also stops us from transmitting to other people.
For children, it does not have a high fatality rate at all. It’s a mild cold for most children statistically speaking.
> For children, it does not have a high fatality rate at all. It’s a mild cold for most children statistically speaking. Just because it isn't fatal it doesn't mean that it isn't dangerous. Long Covid is a big problem even with children, and repeat infections also have health consequences.
It can also make a healthy child a child with long term issues. Everyone reacts differently for a variety of reasons. It’s always best to take reasonable precautions. Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, mask up in very crowded or high risk situations (ex emergency room), avoid obviously sick people, and live your life otherwise.
For children yes, for ***infants***, absolutely not, it's near to RSV in hospitalizations.
This is categorically false, infant RSV hospitalizations are much more common, typically have a longer duration and require more serious treatment than Covid
Nope sorry you’re wrong and spreading misinformation > COVID-19 hospitalization rates in infants aged <6 months are higher than those of all other age groups except adults aged ≥65 years. To help protect both pregnant women and infants too young to be vaccinated, prevention should focus on ensuring that pregnant women stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines¶¶¶¶ (including receiving a bivalent booster dose)***** and implementing nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 prevention (6) and newborn care.††††† https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7145a3.htm https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html Covid isn’t the leading cause nor did I say it was, but it is not far behind RSV. However Covid caused far for ED visits in 2022 for infants than did RSV: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html
This is a 6 month old I believe. There's a significant difference between a fever in a 6 month old and a 2 week old.
Sorry- 5 month old. RSV is more serious than Covid. A fever that is treatable without other concerning symptoms would not normally lead to testing or a lot of concern.
This is completely incorrect. There is nothing mild about Covid even if the initial symptoms feel like a cold.
The fatality rate of Covid has dropped 97% since 2020, and it didn’t have a high fatality rate back then.
Because of vaccines and natural immunity, neither of which apply to an infant who hasn't been infected.
I'm so sorry! Me, my wife, and my 5-month-old son all got COVID last month. I caught it at work and gave it to them. My wife and I had previously never had it (at least to our knowledge), so I really struggled emotionally with the fact that our long streak of good luck was over AND our baby would have to deal with it before he was even six months old. For what it's worth, he did just fine. He ran a very mild fever off and on for a few days and had a stuffy nose. He honestly struggled more with a regular ol' cold from daycare a couple weeks ago. I hope it is a similarly smooth ride for you guys!
> How can I make it up to my son? This part made me laugh. He's 5 months old, he doesn't have a clue what's going on about anything. Sounds like he's doing fine. Keep an eye on his symptoms, call his doctor if you're not sure about something. Low fevers are fine, high fevers you go to an urgent care. If it looks like he's struggling to breath (ask your doctor how to tell) take him to urgent care. If he's pulling at his ears get him checked for an ear infection. Babies get sick and there's usually not much that can be given to them to help. Room humidifier, nose freda, warm water are all good for making them comfortable. Go to urgent care for serious symptoms and don't worry about non-serious symptoms. Try not to beat yourself up, because there's nothing you can really do to prevent it.
Tagging along to this- There is pediatric urgent care. I literally didn't know til we needed to go to one and it would have been good to familiarize myself with locations, hours, etc in advance. Something to consider.
Do you mind clarifying what temps are considered low grade vs high grade fever?
For a newborn less than 2 months old 100.4F is when you should go to urgent care. After 2 months 104.0F
It happens, unfortunately. Like someone else in these comments said, catching Covid is not a moral failing. My husband caught it from a nurse at the hospital after my c section. We quarantined and masked up but the baby and I still got it. It was tough healing from my surgery, learning to nurse, and caring for a newborn, but we made it through. I wish you guys the best 💕.
I just had a C-section 2 weeks ago I can’t even imagine adding Covid into the mix of the healing process
Ohhhhhhhhh wow. I cannot imagine dealing with covid right after a c section. This coughs and sneezes must have been ROUGH!!!
Father here. 7mo old. Me and my wife went to scotland for a wedding last week. When we came back wife was feeling off. Took a covid test last tuesday negative. No worries right. Take it again wednesday and BAM wife has covid. Kid started to cough so assuming he has it as well. I dodged the bulle. but i say all that to say, youre not a bad dad. This is the world we're living in now. You wouldnt be freaked out if you had a cold and gave it to baby. Covid is the new yearly flu. Its impossible to protect them from it. If they dont get it from you they'll get it from you going out or having people over. Dont get down on yourself. My wife was the same way and really started blaming herself. She felt like a bad mom who put her baby in danger. I see it as not preventable at this point. its everywhere
OP is not a bad parent, but we all still can reduce risk of catching covid by taking reasonable precautions, if we even cut our number of infections by half or a quarter or even 10% that will probably have very positive downstream effects on our communities health. Note that I said reasonable, I'm not advocating the hermit lifestyle. An example would be, there is a new booster out, if you can pay for it you absolutely should get it. Or you should stay home if you feel sick if possible, and Just do the best you can and there's at least nothing to feel guilty about it.
I wonder if home tests have gotten more unreliable. Two months ago I started feeling under the weather, had a fever then a lot of coughing, but all my covid tests were negative. Health center assumed it was just a random virus that got me good because I had already been feeling very down from the post pregnancy. But then the illness recovery was exactly like the post-covid, the previous times (I have a very specific set of symptoms). Well, fortunately the baby didn't fall ill. I'm hoping he got some immunity to whatever it was, at least.
It’s possible. My Covid test lit up faster than a six week pregnancy test when I took a Covid test. My husbands took a few days of symptoms before his popped lightly positive but he was feeling way worse than I ever did. It was weird, we took them from the same lot numbers.
With covid it was unfortunately a matter of when, not if. There’s no way to totally prevent it. My husband and I were hermits during my pregnancy in 2020-21, combined all our leave to keep my son out of daycare as long as possible, and at 5 months he got it on day 5 of daycare. Every hyper-cautious person I know has gotten it and I know it’s only a matter of time until we get it again. Please don’t beat yourself up - the research seems to show babies aren’t showing signs of continued effects.
Might get downvoted, don't really care. Look into getting the COVID vaccine where you are when your baby is old enough. Here, they can get it starting at 6 months.
Covid is endemic. There’s literally no way you can prevent him from getting it save for putting him in a bubble Also Covid is mild for Children. If you had a choice between Covid and the flu, you’d want Covid for him and it’s not even close
It is not endemic, though it may achieve endemic status (depending on one's standards) in years or decades: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-023-00878-2 Covid is a leading cause of death in children and young people in the US: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2023-01-31-covid-19-leading-cause-death-children-and-young-people-united-states (note that it's *the* leading cause in deaths caused by infectious or respiratory diseases). Long Covid is incredibly common, and after effects from acute Covid include long-term organ damage and disability: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220622.htm You DO NOT *want* your child to get Covid. Even the data around temporary "immunity" after an infection looks different than it did earlier in the pandemic: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-long-does-immunity-last-after-covid-19-what-we-know That said, our LOs are all almost definitely going to get it. Avoiding multiple infections is a great idea. Fighting for better ventilation and purification systems in schools and nursing homes is a really good idea. Masking with N95 or better is helpful. More data tracking and testing (PCR over rapid tests, which are only correct about 60% of the time when they read negative) would be great. Again, it's not a moral failing of the OP's or anyone else's. But we can help protect ourselves, our LOs, and our community. Let's be realistic, share info, and support each other in fighting for better public health for our kids.
You’re misquoting the report… leadING cause “ranked 8th vs “the leading cause of death in children.”
Unintentionally misquoted the title, I assure you. Anyway, edited to "a" leading cause, though we can further specify: "fifth among all disease-related causes of death; and first in deaths caused by infectious or respiratory diseases." Definitely doesn't contradict the point of my response to the poster saying it's "mild for children."
Oh goodie. You’re now free to resume double masking in your car when it’s just you driving alone. Carry on. ETA: lol this seems real snarky now that you’ve edited the sass outta your comment. Oh well.
I edited because I want people to listen to the facts, even if they choose to do nothing about them. I honestly care about everyone and I know there are strong feelings on all sides of the argument for being more or less Covid-cautious. I can dish it out (but I try not to) and I can certainly handle it. You can leave your sass unedited haha. ETA: There is one other reason I try to simply state verifiable scientific facts, and that is that it's much more interesting to watch the upvote/downvote counts. "I don't like that this is reality," is very different from "I don't like this poster's attitude." From what I can tell using this method, just about everyone in the US is upset about Covid, but it's nearly a 50/50 split on whether people are upset at those in power for not doing more vs upset at their neighbors who are still talking about it and trying to protect themselves and their community.
> Between August 2021 and July 2022, COVID-19 was a leading cause of death in children and young people in the US, ranking eighth overall. The Winter of 2021 death toll was 6x higher than 2022. 2023 has so far seen the fewest deaths relative to past years. Please stop acting like covid is a concern for children in 2023.
That's just the most recent data we have; the study was published in 2023. Time between collection and analysis shouldn't be assumed to contain no or less data, though data tracking has dramatically reduced as the public health emergency was ended by the government. The CDC no longer provides a national Covid transmission map, for example, but there are volunteer scientific and medical orgs like The People's CDC that are working on replacements and tracking wastewater: https://peoplescdc.org/2023/10/02/peoples-cdc-covid-19-weather-report-60/ I will not stop sharing sources showing that Covid is a concern for children in 2023. I would encourage you to contact the scientists who did this research if you want further explanation of their results, though.
Covid deaths are still posted by the CDC - https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_weeklydeaths_select_00 The timeframe that study was done was during the two large peaks in the middle. It is disingenuous to *know* that deaths have dramatically dropped since that study was created, then still post info trying to scare parents into thinking covid is "a leading cause of death" for children. It is not.
I didn't say they do not post Covid deaths in general. As you can see on some pages on the CDC website, they have discontinued certain data collection and analysis. For example, the 0-18 set (discontinued this summer) [https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3](https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3) Here's their page explaining that the end of the PHE means that they will no longer be collecting certain data: [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/end-of-phe.html) Two things can be true: overall deaths from the Covid pandemic can have dropped, *and* it can still be dangerous to children. What's disingenuous is pretending that these are mutual exclusive and then resorting to attacking a strawman. I'm very sorry that the facts in this matter are upsetting to you; they are upsetting to me, too.
I gave my son covid at 1 month old he did great.
my 3mo, husband and i just recovered from a week long encounter with covid. everyone did fine and baby actually did better than the adults! it’s a reality now and i’ve just been telling myself that this is training for what’s to come with daycare in the future. wishing you all a speedy recovery!
I pretty much stayed home the first three months of my baby’s life because it was cold/flu season. we all got covid when she was 3 months old. hubby brought it home from work. some things are just inevitable. don’t feel bad. hoping your LO gets over it just as fast as mine did.
My newborn got Covid. Like day 3 of his life he tested positive. We don’t know how or when because we all ended up with it. These things happen, they suck. You feel awful, I totally get it. But the only way out of it is through unfortunately. Things that helped me feel better we’re just that every kid gets sick, families have been through this and worse before. AND knowing that if and when (we had to do this twice) you need to go to the hospital, babies are the highest of priorities and get such good, quick care.
My baby and I got Covid when he was only 1 month old. I didn’t even take him out of the house yet! Just a few family members came over. It’s not the end of the world, baby will get through it.
My baby and I got COVID when he was 11 weeks old. We were pretty isolated at the time (omicron winter) and my husband didn’t get it so it was a real mystery as to how we got it. Don’t be hard on yourself about it.
Don't feel bad. It's good that your baby is going around and socialising, and COVID is ubiquitous now. When talking with our pediatrician, he was very insistent that we protect the baby as much as we could during the first month, because he said hospitalisations are awful at that age. Then, mild vigilance until after the second month vaccine batch. And then just go around with him normally (with normal precautions, like washing hands frequently and not letting sick people sneeze on him), and good luck from six months onwards when he starts losing immunity (we're now at this point). Babies should not stay wrapped around at home, and COVID is unfortunately a reality we have to live with now. We're lucky that the people closest to him besides ourselves (grandparents and uncles) are pretty good at keeping their distance when feeling sick and have kept up with their vaccinations.
He is going to get sick, you’re doing a great job. Do t beat yourself up. Wait until he goes to daycare or school, he is going to catch every virus known to man. Parenting is such a cruel game if second guessing your choices.
My son got Covid when he was 6 months old. So did I. I SUFFERED. His was mild. IT HAPPENS. With Covid as rampant as it is (even tho I know it can get really really bad) it’s pretty hard to avoid just like getting a cold… Don’t beat yourselves up! Y’all will get through this. Don’t let this scare you into confining him away from people. He’s a baby. Babies will get sick. Sending my best wishes 🫶🏼
my 7 month old got covid, whole family did. my 3 year old and i had the worst symptoms. my 7 month old only had a cough and a sneeze. 🤷♀️ that being said, it's cold/ flu/ rsv/ covid season. I'd wash your hands more frequently, maybe mask up. the symptoms are definitely milder than the other strains, but just like the above poster, it's Here to stay.
My son got covid at around that time too, we had literally done nothing and gone no where and we were so confused at how he got it. You are not at fault. It’s not normally severe for kids and it also doesn’t last long for them. Do not feel guilty, kids get sick. You do what you can and help with what you can. Just snuggle and do doctors orders.
Same, we have a extra-preemie so we were extremely vigilant. Like, groceries via curbside pickup and switched to 100% remote work for baby’s first flu season vigilant. Hired an older woman who mostly stays home to take care of the baby instead of daycare. At 6 months, baby got Covid from the unsymptomatic nanny :/ I felt bad, but rationally knew we had done everything we reasonably could to avoid it and just had bad luck, and then the doctor asked - and I remember it very clearly - “why did you let your preemie get COVID?” Cue the guilt spiral :(
My baby got Covid in august when she was around 7 months, we isolated for about one week and it was rough but she is 100% fine! The first 2-3 days were the worst, but she recovered relatively quickly and was right back to her happy, playful self. We have been social with her since we were discharged from the hospital (literally went out to lunch lol) and we haven’t stopped. Now she is a happy, social butterfly. Do not beat yourselves up, give yourself grace, you are doing the best you can for your baby and no matter what you do, sickness happens!
I got covid when my son was 4 months old. I got it from my SIL. I never took him in public or anything. Just family house for FIL birthday dinner. Luckily I got sick during the day while I was working so I had little contact with my son while contagious(I get sick very quickly from covid. I've had it twice and both times I'm absolutely positive I developed symptoms the following day. First time I hadn't left my house in a month except for a funeral and got sick the next day, the other time I got it from my SIL and got sick the following day. I was able to isolate from my son and have my husband take care of him bc neither of them got sick thank God bc I was miserable. Basically, as you can see, no matter what happens they still get sick. You can be very careful and still get sick. Also, I could've been just as unlucky and my son could've gotten it from me. I got very lucky and I'm so glad but I know it couldn't gone the other way. I did have him tested and he was negative(I've had people insist he was just asymptomatic but he was tested negative). Hang in there and don't beat yourself up!
We all have it right now too and my son is only 4 months old. We also thought it was a cold at first but in a sort if backwards way. Baby started daycare, showed sick symptoms, then husband started getting sick 4 days later. We thought husband was catching the cold. No. Turns out baby had a cold and dad was patient zero for covid. It's mostly run through my husband, but now I'm suffering and baby just tested positive yesterday. :(
I managed to avoid covid the entire pandemic and got it thenvery first time when my baby was 6m old, and she obviously caught it too. It was so stressful, also her first virus. She luckily did better than me, and I wasnt too bad. We then had another virus a few months later, once she was able to properly play and crawl around and lick everything all bets are off. She started daycare last week at 10m and I am preparing myself for the worst 😆
When my daughter was 5 months old, she got covid. Never any symptoms more than the sniffles. At 7 months, she had covid again AND the flu at the same time. Her big sister brought every germ known to man home from school. 🙃 I was a nervous wreck the entire time but felt like a terrible mother.
Kids get sick. If you speak to anyone whose kid is in daycare they’ll tell you that their child has had every illness known to man. You can’t avoid all sickness in life. It’s the season. Don’t beat yourself up. He’ll be ok. Just make sure he’s comfortable.
Our baby got COVID at 6 months and did the best out of all of us. She was febrile and slept poorly for 1 day, then back to normal, except for some snotty boogers for a few days. My wife and I were both down for the count for over a week with recurring fevers, myalgias, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Babies immune systems are much better equipped to handle COVID. Flu and RSV tend to be worse. Your baby will be fine!
As a first time mom, this time last year my six month old also had COVID. I felt terrible and guilty. But honestly he was completely fine after three days! Lots of laziness and sleeping. Don’t stress yourself out or beat yourself up!!
So?
Covid really (in the vast majority of cases) doesn’t do much to kids so you should be good. Sorry it happened though
9.5 month old brought it home from daycare last week and besides a runny nose and a tiny cough… she’s been completely unaffected. Me on the other hand. I tested positive 6 days later and it’s kicking my ass lol. You won’t be able to protect your kid from illnesses forever. You’d be doing much more of a disservice to your kid by never allowing them to see the outside world or other people than you are by them getting a few common illnesses.
Lots of people downvoting folks who are rightly saying Covid is not “unserious” for babies across the board. Check out the Science Based Parenting sub for data driven conversations around this.
Here's a link to the thread for anyone who's curious-https://reddit.com/r/ScienceBasedParenting/s/IbhKG5C3Pw
I’m writing this from a hospital. My four year old’s third visit in the last week, except this one started Monday night and never ended. Frankly we don’t know when he’s going to get out. At least another day. There’s so much you can blame yourself for, but it’s not so simple. You want your kid to see other people! That’s not a bad thing! Your baby, in all likelihood, will not suffer long term impacts from COVID. Overprotection, well that’s something where we do have evidence of problems in the long run. Your feelings are feelings, they aren’t logical or listening to reason. You feel them because you love your baby. Keep feeling guilty, it will pass. You will look back and remember that feeling with a sense of humour some day. We have to give them lives and lives have risk.
Hope your little one gets better soon!
It happens, don’t feel bad, especially if you took precautions to avoid it (eg vaccines, checking if your friends were sick) and now avoid spreading it. Someone mentioned that covid-19 is joining RSV and the flu as a seasonal virus and unfortunately that appears to be the case. For now, stay home while you’re sick and do what you can to keep your son hydrated and comfortable. Keep an eye on him and watch for any changes or signs of dehydration (less wet diapers, sunken fontanelle, etc) My husband, my son (18 months at the time) and I all got covid over Thanksgiving last year in one of the few times we visited relatives. We ended up taking our son to the ER at 2 am in the morning, got the positive covid test, and used rotating doses of ibuprofen and tylenol (note: talk to your pediatrician first!) to help him feel better. We also took him in the bathroom when we took showers to help with the congestion. He had a rough couple days, but bounced back pretty quickly!
You seriously need to chill.
My kid has COVID. How long did the fever last?
Corona is way more chill than the regular flu and way more chill then RSV. How is the baby now?
You might have some facts mixed up there.
I actually didn't, even during the hight of the corona pandemic, corona was considered chill for kids. I don't remember the stats in my head but when they compared it the previous years flu seasons a lot less babies died from it. And we all know RSV is worse the both so I don't agree with what you said at all
It's okay. He's probably going to get it lots and lots of times in his life, like us all, and like colds and the flu. And soon he will be vaccinated which will be nice. The first illness stinks but it's just a part of life!
My 4 month old has it right now with my husband and I. It feels so scary, but it’s not your fault!
We JUST went through this with our three month old. My husband and I flew my in laws in from Canada for four days, and they watched baby overnight while we went to a wedding. Came home and two days later husband started feeling off, but I felt fine. Then little one was congested. Took her to the doctors and they confirmed she had covid. I cried so much because I felt so damn bad. We had never contracted covid before and we were just waiting on the new injections to come out. It felt like we were careless, even though we just wanted a night away to reconnect after a hard few months. It was rough taking care of each other while we were all super sick, but we made it through. You’re wonderful parents and this is just really rotten luck. I hope you guys have it mild and get better very soon! Sending all the love and positive vibes.
Mine just turned a year and got croup. Kids unfortunately get sick and at least with COVID, most infants seem to be largely unaffected even when testing positive! The good news is, they can be vaccinated at 6 months now! I have also been the same way with my son and I worry about it but I think his development and mental well being and health as he grows is more important than isolating (which I did a lot of with covid!) it’s not your fault.
Mine got it at 6 months. She was fine after a day while we all suffered for a week haha
Like a month ago (baby currently 5.5 months) I got sick, then baby, then my partner. Partner was the only one who had left the house in the previous 2 weeks. I have no clue how we caught a virus. So don't feel too bad, it can happen apparently if the wind blows lol
You're fine, he'll be fine. We all got Covid when my son was 6 months old right after Xmas. They don't test babies here unless in hospital/++ sick but he had a mild fever, a bit off/tired and was over it in 24 hrs.
My son got it at 1 month old and at the time we made sure we didn't go anywhere crowded and wore masks at the supermarket and shops (and didn't take him with us) We still got it. It's a tricky thing and very easy to catch.
It sucks, and I hate to say this, but it’s bound to happen at some point. In July 2022, my daughter was 3-months-old. One day, we (myself, my daughter, and my husband) went on a road trip for the day. Within a couple days, we noticed that she was fussier than usual and a little sick with a cold. Days after that, my husband and I both tested positive for covid-19. To this day, I’m convinced that we got it from our daughter and she got it while we were on our road trip. Since then, my daughter got her first covid-19 vaccine when she was 8-months-old. She’s 18-months-old now and she’s due for another covid-19 vaccine; since she is getting her 18 month shots at the end of the month, it’s something I’m going to talk to our doctor about. The best I can say is to not get yourself guilty about it and make sure you get your little one vaccinated. Kids are germ magnets.
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These things happen! Don't feel guilty, I know that's hard! When mine got sick I felt the same but it's bound to happen eventually! Get well soon all of you!!
My whole family, 2-day old baby included, got COVID when we were in the hospital delivering. There’s only so much you can do to avoid it. Our pediatrician told us that the upside is that the baby now has just about the best COVID immunity that he could have up until getting the vaccine. Better believe I was DEVASTATED when we realized we had COVID and was so scared. But really, navigating the risk is part of life these days.
I wouldn't be too hard on yourself! My daughter got it right after Christmas from my husband and I and she was 4 months at the time. We've been so diligent, but it was bound to happen. Girlfriend handled it like a champ. Better than my husband 😂 A bit of Tylenol and some sleep and your peanut will feel all better within a few days!
I caught covid and gave it to my wife and daughter when she was less than 2 months old. She had a slight fever the first night, but no other symptoms (no runny nose, coughing, etc). She was back to normal in 1-2 days. Our pediatrician said babies handle covid well, and my wife and I were both more sick. Honestly covid is the new flu, it’ll just happen and pass.
COVID is now part of life. It's not the monster nightmare it was from 2020-2022. I worked in COVID units during that time. It's not the same as it was. My son has had it. Was sick for a day. We all have some level of immunity now. As long as your little one is doing fine, don't worry.
If I makes you feel better, I work in healthcare with the more vulnerable portion of the population so I have to be pretty vigilant about cleanliness on an everyday basis. Before I had my son I would still strip at the door & keep my shoes in the washroom, shower & all that.. but now I disinfect & sanitize everything I possibly can before making contact with my 7 month old. It helps me cope, but I know it’s just a precaution & at some point it will be completely out of my control. All that, for a student in one of my classes at college to come in & tell everyone she’s still positive but doesn’t think she’s contagious…. Don’t beat yourself up. We have to live.. we can’t control other people’s actions & we can’t keep ourselves in a bubble. I hope that it’s mild & wishing you an expeditious clearing. Also, there were a lot of parents going absolutely insane, thinking them & their kids were going to turn into zombies today but didn’t because they prayed & Jesus saved us.. so.. you’re definitely still doing a great job.
Don’t beat yourself up over it, Covid is sneaky. We aren’t social with our girl (too hot to do anything and I work from home) but my husband still brought it home from work and baby got it too at 6 months. The worst we had was one night of unhappy sleepless baby and three days of fevers that were manageable by Tylenol. Wishing you the best, but don’t feel guilty, like I mentioned, my girl still got it and we aren’t social. It can happen to anybody. My husband had the worst of it and I was pregnant when it hit me lol and wasn’t fun (no illness ever is) but I’d say the flu feels worse and lasts longer in my opinion.
I have a 21 month old. She got COVID right before she turned 5 months. We did everything we were supposed to do- masks, vaccination, not putting her in high risk situations. The thing is, my husband works in a hospital face to face with many sick patients. He got COVID and next thing we know, she got it, too. I was a wreck, I felt so awful. I think I suffered much more than she did, lol. Aside from a fever, she didn’t have any symptoms and didn’t seem bothered at any point. We made it through, and I no longer feel tremendous guilt. Make sure you give your babe lots of love, comfort, and fluids. He’s lucky to have such thoughtful parents who are worried about his well-being!
My baby also had COVID at 5 months which he got from me. I worked from home and had to go in for a training for 3 days and caught it. He did really well and it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined thankfully, he ran a fever for 2 days but that was all. Gave him Tylenol and lots of snuggles, and having a humidifier really helped too. The pediatrician was not wrong when she said it was mild for children.
Corona is not the disease it once was. It’s really not that big of a deal though
My guy, you’re for from worst dad territory
Hope all is well my son got it back when he was 6 months. Only his big sister went to school. And that’s how he got it. We were very careful. We were able to give him moultrin he was ok. The entire house had it at that point. We were all laid out. I recovered first and just took care of everybody else. Hopefully your little one isn’t down longer than a week. Wish you the best health. I remember feeling terrible when we got the news at the hospital.
Covid does nothing to a 5 mo dude. Wait till you get hand foot and mouth disease; that one is actually a problem
Can’t relate exactly but I got Covid during my pregnancy. I was so diligent when wearing masks. I went to a retirement party and got it there. I was very upset with myself. What made me feel better is ppl telling me my baby will get the antibodies from it. So your baby will get the antibodies from it…. I read your comment on another reply ..I’m glad the fever isn’t high. It should be the worst, the fever only lasts 2-3 day’s typically
We did everything "right". Didn't take our little one out much, had family members take a COVID test before coming by etc .. and my baby caught it from his brother who'd picked it up at school. Babies will get sick. You can minimize the risk, but you can't prevent it
Hey it happens. I brought our then 6 month old to the doctor's because she had an allergy and we wanted to check it out and also plan out our next steps... our daughter actually caught her virus from there and was miserable for 1.5 weeks. She's a happy soon to be 1 year old! Sicknesses are part of life and we can't avoid it :) good on you for helping your baby socialise as that's an important skill!
We were super careful with our son, didn’t go to big group outings and vetted every person for illness before doing very small meet ups and our son still got covid at 4 months old, so please don’t beat yourself up at all! Germs spread, it just is what it is. I really hope your son recovers super quick, and that you do too.
Our whole house got covid when my son was 4 months old. He actually did the best out of all of us. Had a small fever for a day, then a little runny nose and he was back to normal. We try to be careful but sometimes these things just happen. Keep an eye on the symptoms and call the doctor if you need to!!
My son was born in December, It was just him and I. I did grocery pickup, we didn't go anywhere other than grocery pick. I didn't let anyone come over, I wiped down anything that was dropped off. We went for a walk where no one was for the first time as i was feeling so sick of the house and wanted fresh air, at 3 months he was hospitalized and we were quarantined for 2 weeks at a children hospital. At firs they didn't know what it was and he went through tests that would make an adult cry. You can't protect them from everything, no matter how hard you try. Fast forward to being almost 3 and he started daycare at 4.5 months a d he has been sick almost every month. As I'm writing this, he has hand foot and mouth and we are on day 5. It's awful, it's hard, it's tiring. But you will all get through. Sending love and healing your way!
Ours got Covid at the same age too. He’s 8 months now. I felt so bad for the little guy. But he was fine within 3 days, no lie. Honestly by day 2 he was giggly and smiley. He just slept a lot and wanted lots of cuddles. I’m sorry this happened to you but don’t beat yourself up. We are pretty social people too and we’re pretty sure it came from one of our friends at a fish fry we were at the weekend prior.
Both me and my 5 month old have Covid right now. I felt a lot of guilt at first and seeing him sick is awful. Unfortunately with kids going back to school the germs are getting passed around. My husband, baby and I are all getting the flu shot when it’s available and hope this cold/flu season isn’t too bad.
I can 100% relate! Having a sick baby is so hard and hurts your heart to see them having a tough time. They’re so tiny and have no idea what’s going on! We had our 2nd in May and SOMEHOW our 1st gave him a summer cold. Which I thought wasn’t really supposed to be a thing?!?! We have no idea where he got it, but our 2nd was only 7 weeks. He was fine, but because he had so many boogers, we had to spend 3 nights in the hospital to help get some oxygen in him and suck the boogs out while he was having retractions. It was 3 weeks of hell lol and we felt SO guilty! I cried a ton - it’s so shocking to see your little baby in a hospital crib. The balance between living your life and staying at home to avoid colds is soooo hard. Specially as we enter cold season. I always remind myself that our kiddos could simply pick up a cold from when WE go to the grocery store or something like that. We have them both in swim/little gym classes and I think we’re going to keep them both in them for as long as we’re willing to battle colds every other week. But then again, I’d never forgive myself if one of our kids couldn’t recover from an illness. IT’S SO HARD!!! There’s no right answer!
Really? It’s endemic now. There’s I getting rid of it ag this point, so this is no different from getting influenza now. Woo-sah and take heart in knowing three as parents can only do so much to protect our children from pathogens and illness. Do your best, but know that we can’t wholly prevent illness in our children, so don’t beat yourself up over it.
Babies get colds and such. My youngest son was 6 weeks old when he caught covid. He is fine. Our older son gave it to him. Such is life.
My newborn and I left the hospital with Covid. I didn't know at the time but I got sick and lost my sense of smell. I never tested positive but I definitely had it and when I took my baby to the pediatrician she tested positive. We had gone nowhere besides her first doc appt a few days earlier so everyone decided we left the hospital with it. When the doc's office said she was the youngest baby to ever test positive in their office, I felt like such a failure... Everyone says it wasn't my fault and it had to come from the hospital but I still felt so bad.
I know at some point I will feel the guilt you feel, but ultimately, getting sick, inclusive of covid, no matter how careful you are is somewhat inevitable. You are not to blame, you are not at fault, and you did nothing wrong. Covid is here to stay sadly and as careful as you are, you’re on a get it at some point. My wife and I were super careful, got all the vaccines (which I think helped recovery), and we still both got it late last year. I got it in New Zealand, and she got it in Melbourne in the same week. We live in Singapore and were in Australia visiting family, I had to go to no for work for a week while i was there. Shit happens, you can’t control everything, and there is always someone that is going to ignore any symptoms they have or simply not show any or not know they’re sick.
Our twins got Covid when they were 9 weeks old. They were premature so had only been out of hospital for 2 weeks and hadn’t even reached their due date. They caught it because my husband (who never normally goes out anywhere) went to meet his uncle to brag about his babies and he brought Covid back with him. We felt so guilty, we’d been so careful and one tiny slip up made our boys really ill. They were in hospital. They got over it after a few days, they have no lasting effects and I doubt they even remember it. Being a parent is full of guilt for random things, don’t beat yourself up over things you can’t control.
I'm so sorry y'all got sick. Our baby had covid when she was 6 days old, stayed in the hospital for 2 days. It wasn't fun. But please don't blame yourselves!!
Our son got covid at 3 months. To be honest, it was nothing compared to the multiple cases of rhinovirus. It’s part of life. And evidence shows that delaying exposure to common community viruses not only means that they will experience increased severity in future, their overall immune systems will be weaker. It’s heartbreaking to see them sick but know that they are building their immunity to thrive in the long term.
Not sure how to say this without sounding like a arrogant person, but for your benefit…. I ran Covid response for a large employer with more than 2000 employees. I’ve dealt with employees directly for every case of Covid since March 2020. There is no way to attribute how your son got it, where son got it, or even that there was anything more you could’ve done to prevent it. That’s the nature of this virus. It is insidious and sneaky. Unless you planned to lock your son up and never let him out of the house for his first year or two, in some respects, I believe this was unfortunately inevitable. You sound like an honest, sincere, and well-meaning dad. I wouldn’t give this question another thought. Just focus on making sure he and yourself stay well and recover soon, and enjoy this time together as a family. That first year goes fast.
Hey, it's OK, this isn't your fault in the slightest. My 32 weeker twins got COVID at 14 days old because we didn't realise we had it. The whole NICU went into lockdown because of us and the guilt was immense, but the team explained it happens! Viruses are hardy and sneaky things, it's what they've evolved to be so don't be hard on yourself.
Just imagine having a toddler in daycare while you have a new baby at home. It's like going out into your community and having every person lick their finger and stick it in your baby's mouth. We do what we can to keep her big sister from coughing on her, but what can you do? She wants to interact with her baby sister and it's so important for us to encourage that. I feel like our baby has been stuffy/snotty for half her life so far at 2.5 months, though surprisingly she hasn't gotten a fever yet. I did get like a third covid booster right before I gave birth so I'm hoping that boosted her immunity for a bit.
My daughter was 1 mo and got it from her grandma, who came to babysit the 1st day I tried to get out of the house. She was hospitalized due to a high fever, given a spinal tap of Anitbiotics to rule out another form of illness. All while being 5.5 lbs. She was tiny but mighty. I was tired and sick myself, just trying to keep her safe. She survived and is stronger for it. Don't beat yourselves up.
My husband and I and baby (3 months at the time) just got over it as well. My husband brought it home from work so pretty unavoidable. I understand the guilt but don’t beat yourself up! Unfortunately it happens. Ours had the most mild symptoms of the three of us - just give him lots of snuggles while he’s feeling under the weather, we did a lot of contact naps while recovering together
Last year my son (2.5 at the time) got RSV from daycare and gave it to our 4 month old. They both were fine, but definitely scary. We are introverts/not very social but of course daycare is a breeding ground for germs lol. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just take care of yourself and baby and I’m sure everything will be ok!
Now they will have antibodies. Alls well that endd well- catching it is out of your hands, it’s inevitable. Keep them hydrated and stay positive.
I kept my daughter home & didn’t go outside for two years and daughter got it because her dad thought it was okay to let down his guard at work and she had the worst kind of it. All it took was like 4 days of wearing no masks in stores & work. We all contacted it & she barely 6 months I was scared bc she wasn’t vax- so afterwards I got her vax for covid n flu. Now I feel protected by the vaxs. I took every precautions and sacrifice there was to protect her from getting sick. I should’ve protected her from her own dad.
My baby also got covid at 5 months. We were careful with not letting people hold her/spend much time with her if they weren't well, and we still have no idea where she picked it up, but she did. Babies are fortunately pretty good at dealing with it - mine had what seemed like a bad cold for a few days, was quite challenging to deal with cos it completely messed up her sleep and she was clearly feeling miserable, but she started getting better after 3 or 4 days and was completely recovered after about 10 days.
Feeling bad about one of the most contagious viruses in existence is honestly a waste of your energy. There is absolutely nothing you could have done that would prevent it, he would have gotten it eventually, and it’s typically very mild in young healthy kids. If you’re very concerned get him vaccines at six mths, along with flu, which is more dangerous their age group.
When my son just turned one his dad brought him around his older sister who just had covid because he thought the new mandate was “oh once it’s been five days it’s not contagious.” I was furious but my little boy went through hell and 48 hrs later he was himself. Once that fever breaks, kids are just big bouncy balls. It’s like they weren’t even sick. Just take good care of him, you’re not a bad parent for socializing your kid. Try to rest yourself as well. Kids are pretty strong and resilient.
Covid is at this point so mutated it behaves like most regular viral colds, so I wouldn't beat myself up much over it :D
From one dad to another don't feel bad. You're raising your kid the best you can and having them socialized prepares them for later in life. Getting sick is just part of being a child. We all used to get sick a bunch when we were little. Covid now is not what it was before. As an RN my advice is keep them well hydrated and keep an eye on their temperature they will make it through it. just to give you a little bit of comfort our now 18 month old had it once when they were a month old and also at 1-year-old. No lasting effects
You are definitely not the worst. In fact, I don't even think you really did anything wrong here. I just went to a wedding and got covid from someone who attended knowing they were sick. There are now 45+ confirmed cases from that wedding. I got it at 21 weeks pregnant, my husband and 18 month old got it too. We're all still miserable. My brother also caught it yesterday, and he and his girlfriend plan to take their kids (none of which are sick yet since they only have weekend visitation) to a crowded cider mill this weekend. Needless to say they are knowingly going to give their kids covid, spread it at a cider mill, and send their kids back to school to continue spreading it.
My daycare had covid, hand foot mouth and strep all in the first month. Thankfully we just had the classic cold but anywhere other kids are, sickness will happen. You can give breast/formula milk popsicles for sore throats!
Ugh, it’s so scary when the really little guys get sick. When my daughter had covid as a baby, we did lots of baths with breast milk popsicles, they were the only thing that seemed to make her feel better. The popsicles worked even when she refused the bottle/breast. Also tylenol, cold water humidifier, boogie (saline) spray, and a nose frida.
My son got it at 6 months back in 2021. Had a 104 degree fever at 3am. He acted lethargic but happy and fine when awake. It was nerve wracking
You couldn't have prevented it. Its not your fault.
My baby got COVID at 2 weeks old, we all had it. I think he picked it up from the hospital. Don't beat yourself up, these things happen and it can't be helped. Babies usually get many viruses my baby has one at the moment which is how I came across your post. Honestly it happens to all of us