ERs have their own risks, particularly catching something new. We tried our best to keep our 26 weekers out of it as much as possible, as even a cold was pretty disastrous in the first couple of years.
I doubt the data supports this mindset (unless there’s some specific pre-existing issue that puts someone at elevated risk). Everyone makes their own choices in trying to be the best parents they can be, and I respect that.
I just don’t think “expensive anal thermometer to protect kids from dangerous hospitals” passes the sniff test for me. I’ll stick with my Ivermectin and Q-ring bracelet.
Doubt all you like, it's a thing. "In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that roughly 1.7 million healthcare-associated infections, from all types of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi combined, cause or contribute to 99,000 deaths each year."
ERs are dirty, busy places filled with pathogens. It's not uncommon to share the waiting room or a semi-private room with other patients with unknown conditions throwing up or coughing, with the resulting droplets/areosols in the shared air. Even before COVID, going to one when it's a borderline situation requires a bit of calculus, especially if you're medically complex.
I just don’t think “expensive anal thermometer to protect kids from dangerous hospitals” passes the sniff test for me. I’ll stick with my Ivermectin and Q-ring bracelet.