False. Some viruses take weeks or even months of treatment.

I've never heard of that, Shirley.

I believe it would depend on the illness and how far it has progressed when you start taking the antibiotics. If you catch it super-quick then that MIGHT be true ... but I'd think the antibiotic would need to work longer if you put off going to the doctor and the illness is more pronounced.

Viruses are not treated with antibiotics though an infection that stems from a viral infection can be.

Gadget, I too have heard about the 48 hour rule but don't know if it is true in every case.

Jodi-

I was wrong,. and Jodi corrected me... viruses aren't treated with antibiotics. Sorry!

I have a swollen gland in front of my right ear. It was there when I woke up on Friday. No fever, I rarely run one. I went to StatCare on Saturday morning. Diagnosis is URI. I want to go to sister's night Tuesday (all my sisters and I meet at the Home where my special needs sister lives). All are telling me to come, just no physical contact.

Shirley

It's very possible that you could go visit your sister without any mishap. However I wonder if there might be other residents there who are more vulnerable? Can you call the Residential Home and ask them?

I think that is plenty of time! I would go unless you are feeling poorly.

For most illnesses, Doctors tell parents that once their child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours the child can return to school. Call your doctor and ask.

At the very least, the medical staff at the residential home may be able to say that as long as you wear a mask (like a surgical mask) that you'll be ok to visit.

Good luck!!

The pediatrician does say that the kids can go back to school after a day or two on an antibiotic. If they are still coughing a lot or have a bad runny nose, I keep them home longer though.

I remember when my kids were little, they contantly had colds, I took them to the Pediatrician, asked lots of questions. The doc said most bacterial and viral infections are contagious from before the kid shows symptoms to several days after they feel better. Antibiotics speed the healing process but you have to take the "full course" or risk getting a relapse. If the doc prescribes ten days of pills and you feel better after two days, keep taking the pills as instructed.Also the kid can return to school a day after the fever disappears. Hope this makes sense.

I've made the decision to not take chances with other people's health and will stay home. Do unto others...... This will be the first time I've missed in the 3+ years we've been doing sisters nights. I'll survive and so will Annie. Thanks for all of your input.

Shirley

That's a wise decision and very thoughtful too. How often do you have sisters nights? I hope you don't have to wait oo long for the next one.
Maire

I agree, staying home a few days is best for all. You'll feel better and won't have to worry about getting your sister or anyone else sick.

Maire, we have sisters' night once a month. I'm glad I didn't go. Every winter they always have several rounds of colds, flu, 'stomach flu', etc. And it takes forever for it to circulate throughout the home. This year the person who runs the Home instituted some changes. One was to have Purell containers placed throughout the building, w/signs for all to please use. When a nurse saw ANY symptoms of a contagious disease, the resident was kept apart from the others, not allowed to eat in dining room. This was just a couple of things. They had only a few isolated illnesses this past winter.

Shirley