After reading this board for nearly a year, I have come to a realization that there is a big difference between how sick a salt waster gets compared to a non salt waster. There also seems to be a direct correlation in the amount of caution and concern expressed by the parents. I have also seen a marked difference with those who have had the experience of an adrenal crisis and those whose child has been relatively healthy. My child went into shock without even vomitting once and when he caught the flu from his sister, he got so dehydrated that the doctors had to drill a hole into his bones to rehydrate him because his veins were so "flat". That was one of the times where the docs weren't sure if he was going to make it or not. Severe salt wasters go down hill so fast that we don't have the luxury of taking a lazafare attitude. However, I do believe that allowing my child to become exposed to the everyday germs from colds and the like has strengthened his immune system to a point that he rarely even gets sick anymore (knock wood). That is what I believe saved his life during the year and a half when he was undersurpressed due to the bad liquid cortef. I count my lucky stars and feel quite blessed to have my child to tuck in every night. Some people aren't so lucky. My rule of thumb is that each of us should stay within our own comfort level. After all, only you know how quickly your child can go down hill. There are much worse things than worrying too much, and if you consider the alternative.......It's not even an option! Just be sure to tell your child that you love him/her while your worrying and everything should even out. Good luck to you all during this cold and flu season.