Concerned about SARS and traveling by plane to WDW

[bratray]

hello

with so much in the news about SARS and traveling I was wondering if this concerns anyone with upcoming trips to WDW?

there are so many international guest at WDW that it kind of makes me a little nervous

there are 7 probable cases of SARS in Fl right now

I guess continued hand washing is all that anyone can do to protect themselves

lisa

 

[JcMayid]

Continued hand washing is not going to do anything. As long as you haven't been to Asia, you should be fine. Also, if you experience anything out of the ordinary, get checked out. Best cure is when it's found early. Just go and have fun.

 

[mcnuss]

This virus is airborne, that's why you see people wearing masks. Very few people from Asia are traveling right now, and the airlines are being required to screen pax who look like they have flu-type symptoms.

While catching this would be awful, remember that there are truly a miniscule number of people who have it. You mention 7 possible cases of it in FL - out of the whole population that's not many. What we don't know is how many cases of TB, pneumonia, influenza are there? We don't know bc it is not a media event. In yesterday's Wall St. Journal, there was a health worker questioning whether this should be called an epidemic. She cited stats that prove that there are far more cases of flu every year, and it's more deadly. SARS is more contagious, but less dangerous.

Hope this helps. Go have fun. Oh, and wash your hands lots anyway. I'd hate to hear you picked up a cold or a stomach virus from a ride at WDW!

 

[CaseyJr]

Isn't it airborn/droplet spread? That would put door knobs, and things like that in question if it's also spread by droplets. I don't know how long the virus lives outside of its host, though. Anyone know?

 

[DNSDisney]

3 days ... 72 hrs is its life in the air.

 

[CarolA]

RELAX!!!

Of the 7 cases several were travelers outside the US and in at least on instance that I am aware of the traveler did not give it even to his wife! I think that your chances of getting this on a US domestic flight are very slim.

 

[Music Mole]

This is a link to an article with some good info about the risk of catching SARS (almost nil if you haven't traveled abroad)

SARS risk here called minimal

This article says handwashing/sanitizing can be effective in regards to touching surfaces in public areas - basically, we should do like mom always told us - wash our hands before we eat

Soap solution: Practicing good hygiene is one way to reduce risk of SARS

I'd say, if you're worried, carry hand sanitizer with you to use, and if you're really worried, about say sitting next to someone sneezing on the plane, bring a mask to wear. It's worth it for your peace of mind, if that's what makes you feel comfortable.

But I think you should go and have fun!

 

[gonga]

Unless you are flying to WDW with a layover in Hong Kong or Singapore...............

 

[khawk]

You have a higher chance of dying from West Nile Virus or influenza then you do from SARS. Dont worry and have fun on your vacation.
Kim

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

There are 11 suspected cases in FL now, including a 6 year old boy in Niceville.
They say the flu is much deadlier. This kills 4%.