HFM at a Family Picnic
Looking for advice: my cousin was supposed to hold a Mother's Day BBQ at her house this Sunday, but discovered a few days ago her 15-month old has Hand Foot Mouth Disease. We decided to move the gathering and have a picnic at the park, but my cousin still wants to come and bring her son. She says as long as he uses his pacifier, he doesn't drool and should be fine.
At first I was okay with the idea of a picnic, and figured we (me, husband, and our 19-month old), could keep our distance, but now I am not so sure. After reading about how contagious it is, and knowing how difficult it is to keep my own toddler from grabbing things and putting them in her mouth, I dont know if it is worth the risk of exposing my daughter (or myself).
Any advice? Is keeping distance enough? Or should we stay home? TIA.
Update: Thanks for the advice. We'll definitely be avoiding the picnic. It stinks because there's family from out of town I haven't seen in a bit, but I need to do what I'm comfortable with for my family. Thanks!