Any thoughts on the possible flu virus in the parks?

[mommie2angels]

Ya'll we are scheduled to leave for the world next week. We have two medically fragile daughters and are concerned about the flu outbreak. Anyone that has been lately or lives there have any input on it? Thanks in advance for any thoughts and advice.

[Jestocost]

I'm not aware of any reports of "flu outbreaks in the parks" above and beyond the general media hype in Orlando and the rest of the U.S. Is there something specific and substantiated to which you are referring?

[siouxi31]

I can tell you that we were there between 11/29 and 12/6. My son came down with the flu during the afternoon of 12/3. I'm not sure what the incubation period for the flu is so I have no idea where he picked it up at. He had to stay in the room that evening and the next day.

[LauraR]

Hi,
I can certainly understand your concern over the flu. We were just at WDW (12/6-13) and the flu was weighing heavily on my mind. There were a lot of news reports about it the night before we left, which made me especially paranoid. Since my doctor is out of the injectable vaccine, and doesn't have the flu mist I'm still feeling paranoid.
Anyway, my approach was to buy the anti-bacterial handgel that dries on your hands and "sanitize" everyone about 10 times a day, especially right before eating, and after the kids where at any playgrounds. Also did it after they washed their hands in any public bathroom, since the last thing they touch is a door that lots of people who DON'T wash their hands also touch. I don't know how much good antibacterial cleanser is against viruses, but I figure the alcohol in it probably kills alot of everything.
Good luck, and I hope you have a happy and healthy trip!

[hammertime]

My advice is make sure that you and the kids get lots of rest which can be really hard cause of the excitement of the parks. I think when we get run down is when we are more likely to get sick.

Plan on some quite time in the afternoon's. Even my DH and I who don't have any children take a nap in the afternoon to recharge for the evening.

Don't forget the daily multi vitamins.

Best of luck.

[BonnieA]

I heard on the news last night that the antiseptic hand gel is very effective against viruses. So use that gel frequently!!

[kilee]

You can check the CDC onlinethey keep maps of each states outbreaks updated weekly. Some state Health Depts have their own flu outbreak sites breaking down the cases weekly by county. Something to look into. As for the previous poster who mentioned her son got the flu there (possibly) if he was back in the parks 36 hrs later-- it wasn't the "flu". Often times colds and stomach bugs are mistaken as the flu. There are alot of Upper respiratory infections and stomach viruses going around right now. Having 2 children who are medicall frail puts you in a tough spot. Truly though, they could pick up the virus anywhere, so I don't think your risk is any greater going to Disney. I would just keep tabs on any specific outbreak in the Orlando area. The hardest thing is that Orlando is full of tourist. So, cases that may originate there may not be reported there, but back at a person's home. Last thing the incubation for the flu is generally 2-4 days. However, symptoms can appear in as little as 1 day and as late as 5-6 days. It also usually lasts 7 days full force!! Then takes another 7-14 days to fully recover.

[julfre]

I just got back and got a really bad cold while on vacation at WDW. However, I am pretty certain I got it on the plane. There were lots of coughing people and air is recirculated alot on the planes. I too tried to wash my hands alot while at wdw, but not much you can do when you are trapped on a plane for several hours.

[Brier Rose]

A word of advice in case, (God forbid), your little ones were to get sick-

On our last trip, Dec.6-12th, the 2nd day our DS 5, became very sick. We called our pediatrician at home,and per their advice just kept him in the room for a couple days and watched his fever and activity level. By the 3rd night his fever shot up to 105!
We called the front desk and they gave us the name of 2 in room Dr. services to call. Doctor's On Call, and Docs to You. Neither one even bothered to call back.
We ended up just going to the emergency room at Celebration Hospital, which wound up the best place anyway, because he needed IV fluids and medicine. They were great there,and if there ever is a next time(God, PLEASE PLEASE don't let there be a next time!) we'll just head straight there.

* I'm saying a prayer that your trip goes well, and you all stay healthy!
:D

[bunnyfoo]

I just came back (12/8-12/16) and wasn't aware of any flu outbreak in the park. I have to say there were lots and lots of people (adults and children) who weren't well... lots of coughing, sneezing and sniffling :( I guess the best you can do is wash your hands, get plenty of rest during the day and take your vitaims :)

Remember to bring a jacket or sweater if you're going to be out at night. I was really surprised at how cold it got some nights. I ended up buying a sweatshirt one night because I didn't have time to go back to the hotel for warmer clothes.

[jacksonsmom]

We just got back on 12/15. I didn't know of any flu outbreaks BUT since 12/16 my son came down with a cold & now he is really hacking & having a little trouble breathing (he has asthma also) He has an appt in about an hour to see his doctor.
I am sure he picked something up at Disney or on the plane, I did hear alot of people hacking!!!

GOOD LUCK!

[swilphil]

My pediatrician told me that airplanes are germ incubators. The same air is recirculated throughout the flight.

[Jenwdwfan]

I don't know if this will help or not, but here goes. I almost always end up sick about 3 days into my trip, I figure it has to be that recirculated airplane air. So this last trip in Nov. I took on antibacterial hand wipes(wet ones)and wiped down my tray and arm rest and seat belt. I know, I got some funny looks. I carried these everywhere and used them b4 I ate and after. Also, after using the restroom I kept my paper towel and used it to open doors then thru it away. I also bought a product I read about here on the board. It's called Zicam. It's an over the counter product that you can take at the first signs of cold symptoms. I do believe there is a child Zicam as well. Of course I'd check with a DR. first before using it. It's supposed to help cut down on the length of a cold. For the first time in ages, I didn't get sick at all this trip. I did feel cold like and used the Zicam. Can't say for sure all this made a difference, but I know I didn't get sick! Here's hoping for a wonderful sickness free trip for you and the family :)

Jen

[janette]

I carried antibacterial gel from Bath&Body works. Not only does it save time in the bathroom but you can use it after you are out the door so if probably more effective. Also great for quick cleanups before eating.

It also smells nice so my girls love using it :)

[Wendynjane]

Hey Jenwdwfan- I too wipe down everything in our vicinity on the airplane. I get one of two responses when people see me doing it. "Smart woman" or "Give me a break". I couldn't care less what people think when they see me doing it either. My SIL was making fun of me for wiping everything down and guess what, almost exactly 48 hours after being on the plane they all came down with the stomach flu. Yuck. I bet she'll be on my side next time. We stayed concierge last week and there were MANY sick kids around. Tons and tons of coughing and runny noses. You do have to be careful anywhere so we use that antibacterial hand stuff too and my kids are very used to it so it's no big deal. We've had two recent trips to WDW and didn't get sick either time. Hooray! Good Luck!:Pinkbounc

[twinmomplus2]

We have had sick little ones on 2 of our last Disney trips. We were AKL concierge last week. And saw of ton of hacking coughing kids up in the lounge. I even saw one mom checking her kids forehead every few minutes. Now I do not know if the child was sick a little cranky maybe. But my issue was if she has a fever why in the bejeez is she in the lounge with all the other little ones. Personnaly I would never ever be so thoughtless and rude. And before I get flamed that is my opinion.
I do not have a medically fragile child, However I have one that is prone to catching everything and the little bugger gets so ill.....So i probably am more sensetive to this issue.
My pediatricians a dh and dw team, where are Beach Club, Exactly a week before us. December 1st through 7th. And I will tell you The DW said she was horrified at the amount of ill children she saw and heard. she said Beach Club sounded like everyone in it had croup. And that it was actually angering her to peek into a stroller and see a feverish, coughing child being dragged around the parks. I did as she suggested I brought Lysol disinfectant spray. And sprayed every light switch, remote control, handle nightstand bathroom surface. And then left the room for 20 minutes. If you do not let it sit it does not work. We also bought the kids hand gel from bath and body. (per thier recommendations) And used it constantly, And thank god they did not get sick!!!

[mom2boys]

I always spray lysol on everything when we check into a hotel. However I didn't know about the 20 minute wait period. I just bought a huge new can of Lysol for our Jan trip. I will get the Bath & Body works hand sanitizer after Christmas. I have another type right now but it is too large to carry in the parks.

[mommie2angels]

I cannot thank ya'll enough for sharing your thoughts and especially resent first hand experiences. After reading what ya'll have shared, talking to friends that are CMs working in the parks and talking with our dds doctors we have decided against going next week. We called today to cancel. I am more sad than anyone I think. We love Disney at Christmas time but our dds health is more important. Their little bodies just cannot fight anything with their immune systems being suppressed. We are close enough to drive so we will plan another trip soon.

Again I appreciate each one of you taking the time to post. Now I just have to go read more wonderful Disney stories to get me through until our next trip. Everyone have a wonderful Christmas.

[SimbaNoodle]

Were here now and have not seen any signs of the flu. We use antiseptic gel, wash hands alot and tell the kids not to run their hands along every handrail they see.

[twinmomplus2]

Good for you!
Disney is always there, theres a travel channel special on today Disney at Christmas I know it's not the same, but It might be fun!
I brought home preemies in September 2000. Not very early but early. 2 days home they went to the pediatrcian, Where he kissed them and said, very gently. they are beautiful, they are here and ok AND, we are going to keep them that way. I do not want them in a food store, department store,Etc... etc... Until the end of MARCH.:eek: It was very very hard to isolate them, But per his advice we did it. And they still had 2 bouts of RSV in January a simple cold from older siblings turned into serious RSV. Why am I telling you this ?because I admire you for making the right choice. some risks are calculated and when you tally it up it really isn't worth it! Merry Christmas.

[seashoreCM]

A big secret to reducing illness is not to touch food with bare hands.

This one is not easy, but if someone ahead of you sneezes, you immediately zigzag off in a different direction for at least twenty feet even if this makes your path much more circuitous.

If someone in your family or party is sick but not bedridden, walk everywhere slower all day long.

If someone is laid up in bed sick, ask about refunds or deleting days on Unlimited Magic passes for both the sick person and anyone needed by his bedside.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Once I was in a strange town and asking about a good restaurant. My second comment went something like this:
"I am looking for a place where food is customarily eaten using fork and knife, not with hands or chopsticks."

[kilee]

The good news is that Disney will still be there after the cold and flu season is over. Better to be safe than sorry. Zicam is zinc. So you can use cold-eeze or generic zinc lozenges as well (for a little less). They DO work. I just got over 14 days of the WORST cold I've ever had. It wasn't the flu (no fever), but I have never been so sick with just a cold in my life. Well at the first sniffle DS (10) had I started him on zinc lozenges. (alittle expensive at 5-6 a day, but worth it!!), and he never progressed beyond the sniffles (thankfully!!). This is the 2nd time we've headed off a cold in our household w/ Zinc. However, both Zicam or Zinc state on the package they don't work against the Flu.

[zaxmom]

We were there December 7th-14th. On the 13th my 3 year old got the flu. I have it now, and let me tell you this is one tough flu. Now that my temp is under 100, I feel on top of the world. It is probably a good thing that you are postponing your trip. Of course, my S#*$ID son was licking the handrails every time we were waiting in line. I have no idea what he was thinking!

[pirateofthecarolinas]

We were there Dec. 6-13. We were waiting for our beeper to go off for dinner at the marketplace in Mexico at Epcot. I noticed a 10 year old boy with a terrible cough and runny nose. He picked up and played with every musical instrument for sale on a cart. The recorder went into his mouth! I wouldn't let my children even go near that cart once he left.:eek: It was a great opportunity for us to show our children how germs spread. We watched him hack and cough for 10 minutes. His parents were no where to be seen.

At 'Ohanas a mother was telling the hostess that her party needed to be seated quickly because her young daugher was sick and needed to be in bed as soon as possible.:eek:

Luckily we didn't get sick but we kept reminding our children not to touch things like handrails etc.

Lori

[susie2]

hi, we have just booked to go in dec 04, does orlando have this flu outbreak every year or is this one unusual, we are comming from england and would just like to know what to expect, thanks susie

[DebbieB]

It's not just Orlando, it's the entire USA. We've gone the first or second week of December the past 6 years and this was the first time we have noticed so many sick kids and heard about a flu outbreak. From what I've heard on TV, flu season usually starts later in the winter.

[Wonderlandmom]

susie2-I think the thread title can be misleading. There is no flu outbreak in the parks that I am aware of. There have just been more cases of flu(a respiratory illness with high fevers and body aches) early on in the US. In fact, if you check this site
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/ you will notice that FL has less cases than many states, at this point. If you can get a flu shot next fall, go for it. We get ours in Oct,. though no promises it will work on that years strain 100%. Dec. is a GREAT time to visit WDW! :D

[mousefansmom]

Hi-
Just so everyone who is trying to stay healthy does (stay healthy!), I wanted to offer one quick tidbit of info. Antibacterial hand wipes and gels will kill most BACTERIAS. They do nothing for viruses (Influenza is a virus). To kill both, you need to use a hand sanitizer that has alcohol in it. I use Purell, but there are several other types. Some that are called antibacterial also do have alcohol, just check the labels to be safe! I would also echo the sentiment that frequent and thorough hand washing, healthy eating habits and proper amounts of sleep will do wonders in warding off all of the bugs that are lurking!!

Have fun on your trip!

Mousefansmom
(PS, if you can't tell, I work in the public health field!! :0) )
:wave2:

[JuliaPooh]

Thanks to all for these great tips--I'm packing my Lyson. My DD has had a horrible "virus"--sinus congestion, sore throat and coughing. She is much better and is so looking forward to her 16th birhtday on the 30th. I will squirt her hands everywhere we go!!!!:bounce:

[mommie2angels]

I changed the title of my post! I apologize that I worded it wrong and possibly scared anyone. We were in the parks last December and thought it was a wonderful time to go.

This is a very unusual time year for the flu to be so bad. Our family has always gotten our flu shots each year in October because of our daughters medical problems. The current strain of flu that is going around is not covered by the flu shot that our family got in October so we are trying to be extra careful. We are pretty much stuck in our house because the flu is very bad in our area. I am not complaining about this because I would much rather be here than in the hospital with our daughters which ends up happening several times a year. We have come close to losing some of the other special needs children that we are friends with lately because of the flu. We have talked to families that have healthy children that have had a rough time fighting it so I cannot imagine how hard it would be on our daughters.

Again I apologize if I alarmed anyone by wording my post wrong. Thanks again to everyone that gave us information and to those that have given us words of encouragement about our decision. It really helps to read those words when we should actually be packing to leave. Thanks again! Have a wonderful Christmas!!!

[Pinnie]

We were at WDW Dec 10 - 14 and in all the many years we have been going down there, I NEVER saw or heard so many sick kids! WHAT are these parents thinking???

In the lobby of the BC, there was a poor child in a stroller that needed to be in BED rather than packed in for a day at the parks. She was coughing and looked feverish to me.

I think those of you who have medically fragile children and are canceling your trips are being proactive and are doing the right thing. Besides, the weather down there right now is chilly and it would be better to put off a trip to a time when it is definately warmer.

God bless all of you and happy holidays!!!

pin

[WDWisTheBest]

We were at WDW last week and we only saw one person who was coughing and sneezing. That was on the monorail ride from the TTC to the MK. Otherwise, there wasn't any incident that we saw of anyone looking sick.

But, normal precautions are good to take. I must have washed my hands at least 10 times and tried to make sure that I didn't touch handles in common areas.

The Candlelight Processional at Epcot was most enjoyable. Even though it was chilly Saturday night, it was not downright cold. Most people were dressed appropriately. This week and next hopefully will warm up more. For the rest of the week, it looks like temps will be in the low to mid 70s throughout the day and 50s at night. I believe the colder days are history for the next week to 10 days hopefully.

[cheriesam]

I really appreciate everyone's reports but would like to suggest that dringing a lot of water will help avoid sickness.
These sites have suggestions I find helpful.
http://www.flyana.com/sleep.html
http://www1.excite.com/home/info/learn2/learnlets_overview/0,14915,travel,00.html
Have a great trip and stay well!!!

[mousefansmom]

Originally posted by cheriesam
I really appreciate everyone's reports but would like to suggest that dringing a lot of water will help avoid sickness.
These sites have suggestions I find helpful.
http://www.flyana.com/sleep.html
http://www1.excite.com/home/info/learn2/learnlets_overview/0,14915,travel,00.html
Have a great trip and stay well!!!

Good Point, Cheriesam, staying hydrated is very important!

Mousefansmom:wave2:

[shortbun]

DS has already had Influenza A. He got it at a national
chess tournament in Chicago. All nine players we sent came
down with the same thing at the same time. Some drove and
some flew. We're headed to WDW in a few days. I'm well aware
of the possibilities and illness we'll face because people refuse
to keep sick kids home. My DSIL runs a pediatric lab and says
hand washing and hydration are the best prevention techniques.
I'm glad so much of the fun is outdoors. We'll focus on outdoor
activities much more this trip and leave the inside lines to most
others. DS is finally learning to keep his hands off railings, walls,
doornobs, elevator buttons and other germ laden things. A week
being very ill taught him that. We're taking hand gel, antibacterial wipes, hand soap and lots of medication. I also bought a whole
flat of water bottles. We plan to stay very hydrated. Thankfully,
we're driving and won't have airports and planes to deal with.
Good luck and maybe we'll see you there!
mimi

[Sinderella]

I just heard on one of the news programs that the recirculated air on airplanes runs through a sterlization filter and the air is purified before it comes back out. The news cast said that there should be no germs "airborne" on the plane coming form the ventilation, but plenty to touch, and of course if the person next to you coughs or sneezes on you it too late.

[cheriesam]

One of those sites I listed suggested taking a wet hankie to put over your nose and mouth as you rest to keep the air more moist and filter out what might be in the air. We fly out for the World tomorrow night and plan to try it...have a fun trip mimi, and all others once your time comes!!

[mommie2angels]

Sunday dd#2 had a very weird day. We thought that she had a stroke of some sort. After talking with the doctors we think it was just a very strange seizure that had a longer affect on her than usual. Monday morning she was better as far as her movements and things she was doing. Then she started having some awful seizures. Not unusual with the rain on it's way.

I called Friday and cancelled our room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Well we decided not to put it off. We kept saying that dd#2's wish from Make A Wish would probably be granted next year. Sunday made us realize just how critical our daughters lives are. DH said God wants us to have a good time and enjoy life with our angels so I say we pray a hedge of protection around them and go. So that's what we are doing. Will ya'll please pray with us? Please pray for their health to be protected. We will definitely take precautions and be very careful. We will use lot of the wonderful tips ya'll have posted here. We always take extra oxygen and will also take the nebulizer/breathing machine.

Pray for a safe trip and a fun time. If the parks are to crowded we can always have fun at the resort. When I called back on Monday to see if our room at the Animal Kingdom was still available I was told it wasn't. They had a room at the Wilderness Lodge. Our favorite! We love being able to ride the boat. It's so much easier with the girls wheelchairs.

Our friend is Goofy at Epcot and will be lighting the tree so we are very excited to be able to see him. Thanks again to everyone for all the advice and support and especially your prayers.

[Brier Rose]

Saying prayers for you right now!
Ya'll have a great trip, and a Merry Christmas.

God Bless, and keep you all well and safe.

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I admire your strength and determination to live each day to the fullest. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. I will pray you all have a healthy and safe trip.:D Be sure to tell us all about it when you return.

[JuliaPooh]

Go and have a blessed time! I took my very precioius DS between chemo treatments and before a bone marrow transplant. He did not survive the transplant but what has survived are the very special memories we have of our trip with him to WDW. Smile and hang in there!!!!

[Melrosgirl]

We were at WDW last week. While waiting for the monorail, the child behind me was totally coughing. A bad cough. Her mother actually said and I quote, "Oh she's not sick."

Yeah, sure, Lady!

The next day my dd came down with something horrible. It was so bad we had to call a doc to our room to see her. It was strep throat and the doc said she had been all over the WDW hotels that week treating kids for it.

[cinder1]

I agree with all the tips. We will be there Jan 3 to 9. My son has the flu now. If you get flu like symptoms, go to the dr immediately. If you have the flu (they can do a nasal swab test that is very accurate and fast), the dr can put you on an antivirul medication that lessens the severity and duration of the flu. It has been great for my DS. The dr also gave us prescriptions for our DDs since they may end up with it too.

But I must add, in defense of some of the parents at WDW whose kids seem sick, that many times, well after a person is not contagious, they continue to have a cough. I myself and my kids have had coughs for 3 to 6 weeks after an illness. The kids' dr says 6 weeks is completely normal for a cough to linger. Also, the drs and schools do not consider someone to have a fever until it hits over 100 deg. (I think if my kids have a temp of 99 or above they are coming down with something, but the school did not send my DD6 home a few weeks ago when her temp was 100 deg, but not above AND she wanted to stay.) Also about runny noses...kids have them all the time. If you stayed home everytime your otherwise healthy child had a runny nose, you'd never go anywhere from at least Oct to March and they'd never go to school. I go by how the kid feels and how they are acting. Laying around and only watching tv, they are SICK!!

Don't misunderstand and think I'm advocating taking sick kids anywhere. We at this very moment are skipping our normal Christmas Eve family festivities because DS is sick. I'm also one to use a paper towel to open bathroom doors when I leave, etc. And I'm definitely bringing hand gel and Lysol on this trip.

Merry Christmas to all!! And good health to the OP's sweet daughters.

[khawk]

I didnt read all the replys so someone may have already offered this advice. If you havent already had flu shots and you can still find a Dr.s office that has any you should get them. Whenever you are in an area with many people you have a chance of catching something. Make sure everyone washes their hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough. Bring alcolhol swabs to wipe down everything in your hotel room. Even the light switches and remote controls....anything that you can think of that someone may have touched....wipe it down. Also, If you cant find the flu shot you might look into the flu mist. Its a nasel spray and healthy people between the ages of 5 and 49 can get it. Its more expensive put 2 insurance companys have decided to cover it. check with your Dr. Its also a live virus but it takes effect immediately where the flu shot takes 2 weeks to kick in. It will also protect you against more then one type of flu strain. But you have to be a healthy person. There is a questioner that you can fill out and go over before you get the mist to make sure you can take it. good luck and have fun.
Kim