HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Is Respiratory Infection Transmitted From Adults To Children?

default
Posted on Tue, 17 Feb 2015
Question: Hello –
DID I CAUSE MY GRANDSON TO GET SICK?
2 weeks ago, my husband had a bad cough and felt very tired. Those were his only symptoms, and it lasted for almost a week. He’s better now, and I never got sick – those symptoms or any other. At the end of that week, I attended my son’s 31st birthday gathering at a restaurant with 8 adults and my 3 month old grandson. Because my husband had been sick, I was asked to not touch my grandson, and I didn’t. I sat next to my son and for a few minutes he held my grandson as talked and cooed to him. Everyone else at this restaurant gathering touched and kissed my grandson many times.
2 or 3 days later my grandson got sick with a cough and runny nose, and later with upset stomach, throwing up, and even some blood in his stool! We’re all very concerned and my son and his wife have been to their doctor more than once.

But the question is – Could I have caused my grandson to get sick because I had been in the same house a
Or is it more likely that the source of my grandson’s sickness is someone who touched the doorknobs and chairs and table and menu AND my grandson?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Difficult to determine the source; but you are unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum.
Thanks for posting to us.

I have gone through your query in detail and understood the situation.

Respiratory tract infection is usually spread through droplets(while coughing and sneezing) rather than direct contact(other than kissing). Presence of nausea and bowel disturbance points towards atypical pneumonia, which is usually transmitted from elder individuals.

So any adults(can be even someone outside the group) with active respiratory infection can transmit this. Since transmission is by droplets or by kissing, you are unlikely the source as you had no symptoms of respiratory infection(cough/sneezing/nasal discharge) and you had not kissed him.

Hope I have answered your query.
Be free to ask if you need further clarification.
Wishing for a faster cure.
Thank you.
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammed Aslam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 987 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Is Respiratory Infection Transmitted From Adults To Children?

Brief Answer: Difficult to determine the source; but you are unlikely. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, welcome to HCM forum. Thanks for posting to us. I have gone through your query in detail and understood the situation. Respiratory tract infection is usually spread through droplets(while coughing and sneezing) rather than direct contact(other than kissing). Presence of nausea and bowel disturbance points towards atypical pneumonia, which is usually transmitted from elder individuals. So any adults(can be even someone outside the group) with active respiratory infection can transmit this. Since transmission is by droplets or by kissing, you are unlikely the source as you had no symptoms of respiratory infection(cough/sneezing/nasal discharge) and you had not kissed him. Hope I have answered your query. Be free to ask if you need further clarification. Wishing for a faster cure. Thank you.