Bird Flu..what do you think?

[ThreeMusketeers]

So, being this our first venture into the world (Disney world that is) since our dd was born 3 , almost 4 years ago. I was a bit apprehensive that she may catch the flu or something from being around so many people from different parts of the world. We have been lucky so far no real illnesses. Thank god. Anyway.
Now that everyone is talking about the Bird Flu thing, I am even more nervous...anyone else thinkin about that a bit?
At all...
Or am I just crazy?

 

[Christine]

Only a little bit. I just REFUSE to let the media get me all spun up--and they are trying their darndest.

First off--right now, bird flu has not been able to go human-to-human so, unless you're going to hang out at a chicken farm, I don't think you need to start worrying yet. Save your worrying for when it is necessary. Once it becomes a human-to-human spread virus (which we will probably see in Asia first), I will start to worry. I know it's indeed a "when" not "if" thing but I just can't worry about it.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

The bird flu pandemic reporting is 99% irresponsible media hype. It has not made the bird-to-human jump yet and if/when it does, it will be a mutated form of the virus that will most likely -- like all others before it -- be less potent to most people. There are labs working on vaccines for it. There is cause for very mild concern, but not for the panic & fear some in the media are attempting to produce.

 

[Rozzie]

I'm very worried, but I also think a lot of it is media hype. The possibity is there, and it would be every bit as horrible as the portray it. I am more worried for the fact that I would be on the front line as a nurse at a busy hospital. There would be hard decisions I would have to make. Funny you posted this, because I was thinking on the way home last night about how we would treat our WDW trips if there was a questionable outbreak in the US. Common sense tells me you would not want to be somewhere where it is a international destination. Right now, it is still in birds, but it is something to have a plan for. Goodness knows you can not depend on the govt to protect and to provide. The numbers would be too overwhelming even with the best efforts.

Go and have a good time, I am leaving soon myself!

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Thanks everyone!
I do think i watch too much CNN. lol


This is probobly a really silly question. But say a chicken has the bird flu right...well if you ate that chicken would you get sick?

 

[damo]

Thanks everyone!
I do think i watch too much CNN. lol


This is probobly a really silly question. But say a chicken has the bird flu right...well if you ate that chicken would you get sick?

From the CDC (centers for disease control and prevention) -- "Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or surfaces that are contaminated with excretions. It is believed that most cases of bird flu infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces."

 

[Christine]

How is the avian flu virus transmitted?
When a bird is infected with avian flu, it sheds the flu virus in its faeces, saliva and mucus. Other birds become infected by eating or inhaling the virus. Very rarely, the virus can infect people who are in close contact with infected birds - for example by people inhaling dried faeces that have become trampled into dust.

People cannot catch avian flu from eating cooked chickens.

It is suggested that travellers to Asian countries affected by avian flu should avoid poultry markets and farms to minimise any risk of becoming infected.

 

[MosMom]

Eh...SARS was supposed to kill us all too. No good will come of worrying about it constantly. Don't worry, if the bird flu doesn't get you...terrorists, man eating sharks, hurricanes, man eating burmese pythons, and Floridians running around with guns will get ya while you are there.

 

[RadioNate]

I'm not too worried. All the speculation is based on the Spanish flu pandemic. Yes it killed millions but it was rapidly spread through the WWI soldiers living in extreame physical and mental conditions. In 1918 we also didn't know what we do now about viruses and treatments.

When it makes the bird to human jump it will be deadly but I'm not terribly freaked about it. If there is an outbreak in the US I will be more vigilant and plan on seeing at Dr ASAP with the flu rather than toughing it out alone.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Eh...SARS was supposed to kill us all too. No good will come of worrying about it constantly. Don't worry, if the bird flu doesn't get you...terrorists, man eating sharks, hurricanes, man eating burmese pythons, and Floridians running around with guns will get ya while you are there.

I am sorry but that just cracks me up. You are a too much.



Just be nice to the floridians and you won't have a problem.....

Honestly I agree with the others. Wash your hands like you normally would and carry hand sanitizer.

 

[Quackmore]

So, being this our first venture into the world (Disney world that is) since our dd was born 3 , almost 4 years ago. I was a bit apprehensive that she may catch the flu or something from being around so many people from different parts of the world. We have been lucky so far no real illnesses. Thank god. Anyway.
Now that everyone is talking about the Bird Flu thing, I am even more nervous...anyone else thinkin about that a bit?
At all...
Or am I just crazy?

It's pretty darn scary to think about that's for sure. But what can we do? We can't just run and hide somewhere. Let's just hope they find a way to stop it from spreading real fast.

 

[laurie31]

Wash your hands like you normally would and carry hand sanitizer.

This is the best advice

Bird flu becoming a pandemic is a POSSIBILITY. Like a big earthquake in California or Mount St. Helens blowing again. Could it happen? Sure. Will it happen soon? Who knows. Will it happen tomorrow? Very unlikely. Right now, the human to human transmission doesn't exist. IF that happens there will be a problem. However, it will still be transmitted by contact just like any other virus. Don't rub your eyes or nose without washing your hands first and you will stay virus-free (this is really tough to pull off in real life, however, which is why we call get colds )

Don't worry about it - have fun in WDW!

Your child has a much higher change of dying in a car wreck (in fact, statistically, 1 of every 60 children will. THAT will keep you up nights - or at least make you into a car seat nazi, like me )

Laurie

 

[HappyMommy2]

No. We are going to WDW this month and I am not worried about avian flu in the slightest. If it was being spread person-to-person (which it is not) and was running rampant throughout Asia or elsewhere in the world (which it is not) I might consider staying away from WDW, but right now the whole thing is just a big hypothetical and I refuse to borrow trouble.

 

[Simba's Mom]

How is the avian flu virus transmitted?
When a bird is infected with avian flu, it sheds the flu virus in its faeces, saliva and mucus. Other birds become infected by eating or inhaling the virus. Very rarely, the virus can infect people who are in close contact with infected birds - for example by people inhaling dried faeces that have become trampled into dust.

People cannot catch avian flu from eating cooked chickens.

It is suggested that travellers to Asian countries affected by avian flu should avoid poultry markets and farms to minimise any risk of becoming infected.

People can easily catch the avian flu from each other. Is there a business in your area with international travelers? Go to the mall sometime and the guy standing next to you may have just returned from Asia, carrying the avian flu, he's not sick but he's contagious. He sneezes, and VOILA! Maybe I'm panicky here because DH travels to China once or twice a year, and he, or one of many other international travelers, could easily bring it in to this country. Maybe they'll be on your next airplane. Or in my case, sleeping in my bed! So I'm kind of scared of it.

 

[HappyMommy2]

People can easily catch the avian flu from each other. Is there a business in your area with international travelers? Go to the mall sometime and the guy standing next to you may have just returned from Asia, carrying the avian flu, he's not sick but he's contagious. He sneezes, and VOILA! Maybe I'm panicky here because DH travels to China once or twice a year, and he, or one of many other international travelers, could easily bring it in to this country. Maybe they'll be on your next airplane. Or in my case, sleeping in my bed! So I'm kind of scared of it.

On the contrary, as far as anyone knows people CANNOT catch the avian flu from each other. This is the (future) possibility that is so worrisome--that someday soon the virus may mutate to a form that people can catch from each other. But right now, no, you will NOT catch the avian flu unless you come into contact with an infected bird.

 

[Christine]

People can easily catch the avian flu from each other. Is there a business in your area with international travelers? Go to the mall sometime and the guy standing next to you may have just returned from Asia, carrying the avian flu, he's not sick but he's contagious. He sneezes, and VOILA! Maybe I'm panicky here because DH travels to China once or twice a year, and he, or one of many other international travelers, could easily bring it in to this country. Maybe they'll be on your next airplane. Or in my case, sleeping in my bed! So I'm kind of scared of it.

I'd like you to show me some facts that avian flu is now transmissable from human to human. Last I heard, oh probably 5 minutes ago, is that it is not. However, SARS still lurks over in Asia and that's a different story.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

According to the CDC

Avian influenza viruses may be transmitted to humans in two main ways:

Directly from birds or from avian virus-contaminated environments to people.
Through an intermediate host, such as a pig.

They report that infection directly from animals is "unusual" and "rarely result in sustained transmission among humans."

 

[Simba's Mom]

Boy, I'm so relieved to hear that! Last I heard, I thought the CDC website said that you could get the virus by inhaling saliva. I'm so glad to hear I'm wrong. Sorry to pass on bad info.

 

[LBAK]

I was just at my Dr. yesterday for the flu shot and we started talking about the avian flu. He told me that when I start laying eggs then I should worry about it. I had to laugh. He told me live my life and don't look for trouble. I like that theory.

 

[jonestavern]

I'm very worried, but I also think a lot of it is media hype. The possibity is there, and it would be every bit as horrible as the portray it. Common sense tells me you would not want to be somewhere where it is a international destination. Right now, it is still in birds, but it is something to have a plan for. Goodness knows you can not depend on the govt to protect and to provide. The numbers would be too overwhelming even with the best efforts.
Go and have a good time, I am leaving soon myself!

there has been talk of some sort of pandemic, due to the viruses developing resistance to antibiotics (due to the overuse of such) for a few years now. these things have occurred throughout history, & unfortunately, will continue to do so. I do agree, that the media has latched onto this one & is really going to town with it!
My grandmother told me stories of the flu epidemic in 1917 & I have transcribed some journals from that period.
There are many simple things we can do to really cut our risk.
Scrupulous & frequent handwashing, even wearing face/mouth masks, eyeglasses & gloves. Driving, if possible, rather than flying; skip shaking hands or drinking from the communion cup--now, those things may seem extreme, but are do-able & may give us a modicum of control
Hopefully, this country will get on the stick as far as vaccine development, manufacture & distribution--
meanwhile, it is always something. take precautions, do what you can try to have a plan then let's live our lives. I am a huge worrywart, but I have made my plans then what will be will be whether it's an epidemic or floods or terrorism.
Hope this helps & See you at WDW!
Jean