I go to quite a bit of effort not to expose my elderly parents to illness. Older people, especially if their health is not great, are far more prone than younger people to complications such as pneumonia. So, no, I would not leave my sick child with my parents.
Stebby
Stebby, while I agree whole heartedly with this sentiment, I had to laugh. She said the parents were 75 years old. In no way do I consider that "elderly".... but maybe that's because I'm 55. Interesting how our perspective changes as we age.
JeanneMarie, I'm 50 (not so much younger than you) and my parents are 80 (not too far from 75). I didn't mean to demean or insult anybody by my use of the term "elderly". Maybe I should have said "older people". I was thinking more of health status. When my parents reached their mid-seventies they started to become frail and less able to shake off what used to be minor illnesses. Years ago they never seemed to get sick and now they pick up every infection that comes their way! My dad has had pneumonia twice and my mom ended up with a collapsed lung. Their defenses against illness are just not there anymore. So I wouldn't even consider asking them to watch my daughter if she were ill.
That being said, I am planning to be in robust good health when I get to be that age. Something to shoot for, right?
Stebby