Q14 of Q&A

A: Definitely yes, especially if it's respiratory (simple cold, runny nose, flu, bronchitis, etc.). Before you're in Katya's company you should be symptom-free for a few days, or however long it takes to be sure you're no longer shedding the virus/bacteria. (In some cases this could last many days following your illness, so check with your doctor if you're unsure.) Also, the same rules unfortunately have to apply about being in company with anybody in Katya's family -- siblings and parents. If any of us get sick there is a serious possibility that Katya could catch it from us. Taking it a step further, even if you have no symptoms be very wary if you yourself have been exposed to someone sick within the previous three days or so. There's a pre-symptom incubation period, and a real chance that you're carrying -- and spreading -- the virus/bacteria for several days before you actually experience symptoms. This may in fact be the greatest threat to Katya, because it's so insidiously unexpected and thereby less likely to be thought through and prevented. If this all seems too excessive, it might help to remember that the danger to Katya really is of potentially life or death significance. What puts normal people a little under the weather for a few days could ultimately kill someone with trisomy 13 if it turns into a major lung infection. Remember, she almost died this way in the hospital. Apparently, most of the deceased trisomy 13/18 kids that had survived past infancy (and did not have central apnea) actually died because they had come into contact with someone who was either sick or otherwise carrying a bug that eventually led to pneumonia -- the simple contact ultimately became fatal.


				*For Friends of Katya Maria Sansalone* *Q14 of Q&A*



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		Q: Should we avoid being in company with Katya around any time we're sick?



		A: Definitely yes, especially if it's respiratory (simple cold, runny nose, flu, bronchitis, etc.). Before you're in Katya's company you should be symptom-free for a few days, or however long it takes to be sure you're no longer shedding the virus/bacteria. (In some cases this could last many days following your illness, so check with your doctor if you're unsure.) Also, the same rules unfortunately have to apply about being in company with anybody in Katya's family -- siblings and parents. If any of us get sick there is a serious possibility that Katya could catch it from us. Taking it a step further, even if you have no symptoms be very wary if you yourself have been exposed to someone sick within the previous three days or so. There's a pre-symptom incubation period, and a real chance that you're carrying -- and spreading -- the virus/bacteria for several days before you actually experience symptoms. This may in fact be the greatest threat to Katya, because it's so insidiously unexpected and thereby less likely to be thought through and prevented. If this all seems too excessive, it might help to remember that the danger to Katya really is of potentially life or death significance. What puts normal people a little under the weather for a few days could ultimately kill someone with trisomy 13 if it turns into a major lung infection. Remember, she almost died this way in the hospital. Apparently, most of the deceased trisomy 13/18 kids that had survived past infancy (and did not have central apnea) actually died because they had come into contact with someone who was either sick or otherwise carrying a bug that eventually led to pneumonia -- the simple contact ultimately became fatal.



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