DEAR ABBY: What do I do when relatives show up to family gatherings with sick children? We recently hosted a family party in our home. My sister-in-law arrived with an obviously sick child in tow. I am pregnant and have a 2-year-old son. Now my child and I are sick.
This isn't the first time something like this has happened. How should I handle this in the future without starting World War III? -- SICK OF GERMS IN ARKANSAS
DEAR SICK OF GERMS: Here's how I'd handle it: I'd talk to all the in-laws. I would explain that my 2-year-old and I caught whatever the child had, and tell them I don't want it to happen again. Then I would add that in the future, I do not want anyone to come over if they or one of their children is sick. That's not an unreasonable request. Because, regrettably, not all children are vaccinated these days, you are lucky you didn't catch something that could have put your unborn child at risk.