To thine owns self be true. When I'm uneasy about doing something that my cue to just say NO.

Moe, frankly I think we HAVE to be a bit paranoid. Clinics and hospitals are full of sick and germy people. And I, for one, will not enter unless absolutely necessary. To me, it's just not worth taking the chance.

And, the last couple of times I was hospitalized, it was a real chore for me to have to visit with people, even though I DID appreciate that they took the time and energy to come see me...I was feeling awful but felt I had to be nice, and cheerful and sociable...while all the time I just wanted to rest and be left alone. I realize I may be the only one who feels this way, but I wanted to share my feelings about this subject.

I hesitate to go to doctors offices and hospitals just for my self because they are germ full, and even the nurses and doctors are full of germs from handling their patients.
If it were a dear friend, that may not make it, yes I would take the chance and come prepared with plenty of antiseptic wipes that I would use to open all doors, including his, and maybe even wipe down his railings and table/phone before touching. He may not be contagious, but everyone else might be!!
As for wearing a mask (I hate that) I usually put one on then pull it down so it is just hanging under my chin, then when I go in, if there are lots of people, I put it on, if not, and there is no danger of getting coughed on, I don.t worry about it.
Mostly worry about being coughed on, or in the immediate area, or what you touch. All surfaces are contaminated to a degree, so keeping your hands sanitized and away from your eyes, mouth, nose is important.
If it is a friend you can visit at home later, then do that, or send flowers with an explanation of your concerrns. Friends will understand, and it is always a good idea to call and see if the person wants visitors. He may not feel up to it, or welcome it.
In the end, use your own judgement, take care of your health first, and what ever decision you make will be the correct one for you.
Check all this out with your friend and maybe even your doctor could make you feel better. My opinions are my own, based on what I would do.
Blessings
Brenda

Moe -
That part that is saying that you should not visit him is your common sense. The other one is a not-too-smart critter that needs to be locked back in the closet.
Call your friend's husband, wish him well and tell him you'll see him as soon as he gets home. It's not being uncaring or impolite - it's taking care of yourself. Hospitals are more dangerous than a cesspool for someone with a compromised immune system..
My being paranoid has given me 4 months free of any serious exacerbation.

Hugs,
Dennis

This is the wrong time of year to go near a hospital..I believe it is the worse because of weather ...Between the humdity..pollen..and all the sinus infection going around i would be scared..If possible make a care package...Not experience stuff just little things you wished you had when you were in hospital...Something that don't cost much and a hand writtten note...This would mean so much to him...In my thoughts Joanne

Go with your gut, stay home! We want you to stay healthy..they will understand.

Boo

i hate going to dr for my monthly check ups and that's for me!
& i went to hospital when i have VERY close friend having surgery & no one else to go with her.
but kind of like "battles",,,i have to "pick & chose" where i go & what i am willing to expose myself to.
so do what you truly feel you should do, not what "society" thinks you should do.

i like imarighters post---if i feel so lousy that i'm in the hospital, i don't want to be visited that much (i even told my kids to leave after my surgery & when they were trying to get my pain under control). so i usually don't go "visit" people in hospitals cuz i figure they need the rest.
and just think; he might be just as scared of having visitors that could bring a bug to him....

Moe, I can only echo what so many have already told you. Your thought of visiting him after he gets home I believe is the correct one. No need to expose yourself to potential problems, and I am sure he would understand. Like everyone else here, we have all spent time in the hospital, and we know we don't want to subject our friends and loved ones to the many illnesses, and I am sure you friend will understand as well. Take care, Bill

I agree, don't go if that little voice of reason tells you not to. The last 3 times I was in the hospital, I had my husband tell everyone not to visit me. Mostly because I didn't want anyone but my husband to see me in such a weak position. The germ factor plays a big part too. People who truly love you and know you should understand your reluctance to go to any hospital, even as a visitor.
Follow Your heart, make a phone call to wish him well.

I also agree with everyone else. Give him a call and tell him you will visit when he gets home. It's not rude to take care of yourself and I'm sure your friend will understand.

mamamoe, before I read the rest of the replies i want to answer. sometimes the other replies kinda sway mine. anyways, i am scared to almost crazy of getting sick and going to the hospital. we live in the sierra foothills. i can go weeks, even months without seeing anyone besides my husband and my dog. i do not miss the socialization. i am completely freaked out about a stay in the hospital. we almost (not quite) make our visitors take an AM I SICK test. crazy. but we don't have insurance. and i don't want to get that sick. love my family so much. lately we have had visits from 2 of my brothers, my fil, and the kids and grandkids. how do you even say "um guys are you feeling okay" to your kids? can't. love them too much. most of the reason why my life is worth living. does that make sense. okay. long enough answer. just saying i get how you feel. hugs. this is a crazy disease. one day at a time.

Dee

Mammamoe, after reading all the replies I need only meant if he was not going to make it, I personally would go, not trying to sway you, but then we have our problems with germs where ever we go. However my doctor once told me the worst place to be for germs is in a doctors office or hospital.Follow your gut instinct was the correct response and I apologize for missing that point. Can I be excused because I was on a pain pill ??? One comment was about relatives that come to visit, and are sick. I have told mine if they are coughing, or running a fever, please do not come. I tell my friends that, and people understand. However when this baby grandson Asher gets a runny nose, my heart goes out to him, but Heather keeps him away. The others had good comments, and mine was just saying my personal feelings, altho I would have been scared to do it. I do not do funerals, so if it was my last chance to see a friend, then I would. If this is all confusing, just ignore....
Blessings
Brenda

I think I understand this too well. I've been sick for almost a month with an "exacerbation" of asthmatic bronchitis. On Monday my 5 year old grandson, my oldest son and his wife arrive for a week. Grandson, Marc, has had a bad cold and son Steve asked Dr to give him antibiotics due to my condition - Dr refused and said it was inappropriate. I told family not to worry about it and we'll just enjoy ourselves since I only see them twice a year.

I can't deny that I'm concerned but I just have to live my life as best I can without going to extremes. My little grandson is growing so fast, is so smart, spoiled and funny - I have to see him no matter what happens. His parents married late and still had Marc but won't have another.

I'm still weary from this last flare up but will take one day at a time and pray.

Hugs, Cindy

I am paranoid about catching something...after all, it is MY health that is at stake here. Last August my husband caught a cold, and naturally I got it too. Took me a little over a month to get over it. I tell my dear hubby if he contacts anything at all I am kicking him out til he is over it!! LOL It is crazy, but that is the way our lives are now....we have to
be extra careful. I have not been in the hospital in over a 1 1/2 years, and I am in no hurry to go back there!

Amen my sister. My last hospital stay was in November of last year. And I like it that way. But I have had to go to the hospital for all those tests for the transplant that I may not get. So just if you have to go, like for appointments, protect your self at all costs, I should own the antibacterial company I use so much of the Gel and hand wipes...