A Flu-Season Request

[ZehnJahren]

It's almost that time of year again - flu season!

I would just like to make a request on behalf of myself and anyone else who likes to (try to) make it through their vacation without getting the flu.

Please, cover your mouth and the mouths of your children while coughing or sneezing (or, teach children to cover their own mouths!). I had a grown woman turn and cough directly in my face on the first day of my vacation (in the hub at MK back in 2010) without apology, and I was very sick (while still on vacation ) three days later. There are also a lot of sick kids and adults who come to the park (like those undergoing chemotherapy) who would greatly benefit from you washing your hands after sneezing into them, or at least using hand sanitizer. If your hands tend to get dry while using soap so often, may I suggest bringing a hand lotion with you?

Please, consider washing your hands often while sick and using hand sanitizer. If you end up sick and decide to still go to the parks, this is my humble, respectful request. I promise I will do the same.

Thank you.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Not to start a vaccination debate, but if you're really worried, flu shots can help.

 

[BayouMickey]

Dramah dramah!

 

[jennylyn_b]

Dramah dramah!

Lol

 

[Deb & Bill]

Better yet. Don't sneeze into your hand. Use your upper arm. Or a tissue and dispose it after using. And wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

 

[wiigirl]

Not to start a vaccination debate, but if you're really worried, flu shots can help.

 

[Benihana]

If only the other 99.9% of guests could see this too...

 

[BayouMickey]

Better yet don't sneeze and cough.. oooh! wait! better yet just don't breathe.... at all....

 

[P'colaBeachBum]

Not to start a vaccination debate, but if you're really worried, flu shots can help.

Always get my flu shot 3 weeks before our WDW trip.

 

[bdklein]

It's almost that time of year again - flu season!

I would just like to make a request on behalf of myself and anyone else who likes to (try to) make it through their vacation without getting the flu.

Please, cover your mouth and the mouths of your children while coughing or sneezing (or, teach children to cover their own mouths!). I had a grown woman turn and cough directly in my face on the first day of my vacation (in the hub at MK back in 2010) without apology, and I was very sick (while still on vacation ) three days later. There are also a lot of sick kids and adults who come to the park (like those undergoing chemotherapy) who would greatly benefit from you washing your hands after sneezing into them, or at least using hand sanitizer. If your hands tend to get dry while using soap so often, may I suggest bringing a hand lotion with you?

Please, consider washing your hands often while sick and using hand sanitizer. If you end up sick and decide to still go to the parks, this is my humble, respectful request. I promise I will do the same.

Thank you.

Is this Doc? Or Sneezy? LOL

 

[ZehnJahren]

Dramah dramah!

Better yet don't sneeze and cough.. oooh! wait! better yet just don't breathe.... at all....

Guess I'm missing something.

And I agree, if only the other 99.9% could see it!

I'll be flu-misting it up with plenty of time to spare before heading down myself!

 

[pixiedustmomma]

This is such a nice request. I know I have been going over and over it with my children to cover their mouths if the sneeze or cough and then wash their hands after. So many people got the flu even with having the flu shot last year. Sadly they don't really know what strain flu will be going around. I also remind my kids to keep their hands out of their mouth, nose and eyes. They touch so many things that they don't need to pick up a germ or spread them. Hopefully everyone stays healthy during their vacation and this flu and cold season!!

 

[kayemgi]

Better yet. Don't sneeze into your hand. Use your upper arm. Or a tissue and dispose it after using. And wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

I saw on Mythbusters that sneezing into your hand spread gross stuff up to NINE feet away from you, and into a handkerchief I forget exactly but it was at least three feet still.

However, into your elbow/upper arm contained everything. That's the way to go!

 

[4kids4karen]

... or do like other countries and wear a mask if you are sick or concerned about getting sick.

 

[brown2mj]

Flu shots all around for my family next week! If my four year old understands not to spread germs, one would hope an adult could grasp the concept!!!

 

[MaleficentRN]

Better yet. Don't sneeze into your hand. Use your upper arm. Or a tissue and dispose it after using. And wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

Great advice!
The influenza vaccine does not cover every single 'flu virus out there. Or cold viruses or other things. This is just common sense and common courtesy. If even the only people that read this post do these things, it impacts greatly on the public's health.

 

[Gamegrl1]

I am getting my flu shot this weekend but yep...still paranoid about contracting a common cold. Sometimes people can't help it...they're careful as can be...hey, I quarantine myself as much as possible through the worst of a cold but others are just gross and inconsiderate.

People are either going to be considerate or they're not...I don't really see polite reminders having much of an effect but I absolutely understand the spirit of "I've been waiting for this vacation for a LONG time and have spent a LOT of money and time anticipating it and I do NOT want to have it screwed up at the last minute by getting sick!"

So...I'll be the one on the plane with the oh-so-attractive surgical mask on in the hopes of breathing fewer cooties on the day-long flight! I've got my Emergen-C, zinc and antibacterial wipes too!

 

[Ametista]

I always start my trip by wiping down the arm rest, buttons, and drop-down tray on the plane with an antibac wipe. Last time I did this the stewardess said "That is SOOOO smart! You wouldn't believe how many people change their babies on those trays!" Gross or what? Anyway, no sense in getting sick on the flight out.

 

[jimmysmom74]

FYI, there are also lysol wipes in small travel size containers. We use them to wipe off plane armrest and tray, and quick once over the room at check in. We will all have are flu shots, they may not cover everything, but it can't hurt. IMO. Hand sanitizer between rides and meals, washing hand whenever we can. I probably sound paranoid, but we got the norovirus at WDW when my son was 17mos and it was horrible, better safe than sorry.

 

[minnie mum]

Thank you OP for the gentle PSA. I see no "dramah" in your post, simply common sense, simple preventive health measures that are too often ignored. Although from the majority of the posts, it would seem that you're preaching to the choir.

And these measures aren't just for flu season at WDW. There are always viruses and bacteria that can too easily be spread from person to person. Simply covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezine (we use the elbow, too), and frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer can go a very long way to reducing the transmission of so many contagious diseases. We're getting our flu shots next week.