Unfortunately what really makes the point is for one of you to get really sick after a careless visit. I hope we can all avoid that!

I don't know the ages of your grandchildren but be aware that kids, especially those in school or daycare are exposed to EVERYTHING and will bring it right back home to their family! I would limit my exposure to them as much as possible during the fall and winter months when all those viruses are at their worst and try to see them more in the summer and warm months when you could be outside in the yard or patio for most of the time. If you go ahead with the visits, ask your kids to please only visit when everyone is well - no sniffles or temperatures - and you can wear a mask and don't get too close (ha ha). Its hard with kids as it seems like someone is always sick and they don't really understand about giving you space. You can ask them to wear masks but so many people are offended by masks these days and just won't do it so that is a decision you will have to make. It leaves it up to you to protect yourself. I guess I am overly cautious since covid and since hubby and I are both COPD patients, but just this week our daughter was coming over for a visit and mentioned she had not been feeling well with what she thought was a sinus infection. We told her to wait - we didn't want to chance it. We just got over a bout with bronchitis and 10 days of antibiotics and prednisone and we don't want to catch something else as we are just now feeling better. Also, covid is picking up in our area so we are cautious.

It's really a matter of educating your kids so that THEY will think about not infecting you with anything and THEY will make the moves to keep you safe and know not to come if anyone is showing signs of a cold. During covid, our son understood that idea right away and followed through by asking to come visit (he lives across the country from us) but sitting outside in lawn chairs separated by 15 feet or so......our daughter - not so much....we still have to remind her. We don't want to be around any sick people if at all possible.

Also, as Jean said, make sure you have all your vaccinations.

I really don't have an answer. I moved in with my son when my wife passed away in 2019. Have 4 grandchildren, 2 of which live with us. By the time I know they are sick, it's to late. They have already been in the contagious stage. I've had all my vaccines but still get the occasional cold. I'm planning on going back to my own place in February to get away from this. No reason to get a hospital stay because their father (my son) won't give me a warning that there is an illness in the house.

Thanks. I feel much the same way but I hate getting as sick as I do when exposed. My son is trying to be careful but since the kids go to preschool they are always sick. We live 9 hours away from them so this complicates things. I hate being the cause of all this fuss. It is what it is.

I live to see my grandchildren and yes, at least one of them has a runny nose. There are 5 grandhildren in one home so there is always sniffles happening. My mental health really, really suffers when I don't see the the kids -- they live less than a block away and they are accustomed to running in and out of my place on a daily basis. I had to weigh the pros and cons of seeing them. Do I sit alone in my chair, be depressed, lonely and sad or do I risk getting sick by seeing the kids. Neither option is ideal but I decided that I can't and won't live in a bubble and full of fear. I need to see my family and that is my priority. Everyone must do what is best for them.