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Q: My child got the flu on Saturday and I was diagnosed today. If I bring my recovering child home, will they get re-infected by me?

  • Myeongchan Kim
  • 2 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD


This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.



Question:

My child caught the flu this past Saturday, and I was just diagnosed with it today. I left my child at my parents' house over the weekend and plan to bring them back home tomorrow. My child is doing much better now, but since I am currently sick, is there a risk that my child will get re-infected by me?


Answer:

I completely understand your concern about flu re-infection. Fortunately, you do not need to worry about your child catching the same flu again.


It is highly likely that the flu you were diagnosed with today is the exact same viral strain that your child caught on Saturday. Once a person is infected with a specific flu virus, their body builds immunity, making re-infection with the same strain almost impossible during the same season. Since your child is already recovering, they are safe from being re-infected by you.


Precautions to Keep in Mind:

  • Even if you are taking antiviral medication (like Tamiflu), you can remain contagious for about 48 hours.

  • Please continue to wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. This is particularly important to prevent spreading the virus to other family members who haven't been infected yet.

  • Continue to monitor your child's recovery at home, ensuring their fever stays away for a full 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and that their cough, runny nose, appetite, and activity levels continue to improve.


It is perfectly safe to bring your child home. Please do not worry about re-infection, and make sure to get plenty of rest yourself so you can focus on your own recovery!



For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.








 
 
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