Should I quarantine my dad?

Question

My dad is in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand traveling. I have two small children and we are going to visit him when he gets back to the states. Do you think it is wise for me to visit the week he comes back....or do I need to wait and see if he has any illnesses that Americans don't have an immunity built up against? How long do I need to wait.

I apologize if this is a culturally insensitive question...but I have two little ones to watch out for.

Answer 1

The most likely sickness he may have is a cold or the flu he might have caught on the plane flight back. I live in Asia and work with a company that sends employees back and forth between the US and Asia and never are these people quarantined or has anybody ever had a disease transmitted by someone who has spent time in Asia, nor have I ever heard of a case where this has happened. And to all the people worried about malaria, it can only be transmitted through infected mosquitos. Unless he outwardly shows signs of sickness or disease I think you have no need for worry, it's not like people drop dead on the streets around here from diseases. I appreciate your concern for your children, but assuming your father is a clean and careful person, I see very little need for concern.

Answer 2

As long as he has taken the meds that are required for SE Asia he should be fine and you and your children too.  We travel to Vietnam almost every year and spend from one to two months and haven't ever caught anything.  We also keep up on required meds and always take our malaria pills. cheers from Flightmedicine.

Answer 3

I think it will be fine, as long as he's taking malaria pills and taken all the necessary precautions so that he doesn't have any of those diseases/sicknesses. My brother traveled to that area a few years ago and non of hte children he came in contact after were sick. I also think it depends on how old the children are. I suppose if they are below 2 or three you may want to just take an extra step of precaution and post pone your trip to see him a week.

Answer 4

Well, did he get the reccommended vaccines beforehand?  Is he going anywhere that he might be in contact with unusual diseases (away from the major tourist traps)?  These questions will probably affect your decisions.  

I'd probably also talk to your father about it.  Does he understand why you would want to wait a bit?  Is he doing anything to make sure that he doesn't get sick?  I could see him being really insulted if you do decide not to see him right away and he doesn't understand why.

A doctor could probably also give you a slightly more informed opinion.  After all, she or he has probably seen lots of other tourists who have gone to SE Asia and can give you a better idea of whether or not there is a legit medical concern.  

Pretty much, I'd say that if your dad has been careful, you should be fine.  I'd definately talk to him and a doctor about your concerns though.

Answer 5

You are just being a fussy mum,dont wory they will be fine.

Answer 6

I'm probably the same age as your dad and I've never gotten sick in any of my many, many visits, But,,,,

If there are any bird flu outbreaks while he is there, it might be wise to keep him from the kids for a week.