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!

 

[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!

 

[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. 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.