Flu fears at Disney

[MamaRa08]

Hey guys! We will be leaving in just a few days for trip #4 to the World. I have a 15 month old and this will be his first trip. My concern lies in the fact that he has not had the second half of his flu shot yet. Due to chronic ear infections in the fall, he was late in getting the first dose and isn't due for his 2nd until the week after we return. It makes me nervous as the flu is proving nasty so far with several deaths. My DH, DD, and myself got our shots awhile back. I'm guessing visiting an amusement park with thousands of folks from all over is definitely going to put us in the path of some germs. Ideas on how to keep us, especially him, healthy? He's not walking yet so that will help keep him from running and grabbing everything. Obviously frequent hand washing and avoiding the thickest of crowds when possible. I'm thinking being in the open air outside isn't as bad as being in close quarters indoors, right? I will definitely have my Clorox wipes to wipe down high chairs, tables, remotes, etc. Also planning to drive our car to the parks instead of taking the buses. Any other ideas you'd be willing to share? We usually visit in fall and spring so these winter issues are new to me. Thanks!!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Make sure you keep the whole family's hands clean so that they don't touch him with germs after they touched a handrail, handle, etc.

 

[staceyrhood]

I always have a travel pack of Clorox wipes for the handles on the rides and to wipe down the hotel room when we arrive...also sanitizer and wet wipes for after each ride.

 

[WendyLou]

I always have a travel pack of Clorox wipes for the handles on the rides and to wipe down the hotel room when we arrive...also sanitizer and wet wipes for after each ride.

Ditto, also try to Lysol the room and carpet.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

remember that when in line for rides no strollers and that is close quarters. also you will have to take either the monorail or the ferry to get from parking lot to MK and both can be crowded at park opening time. I would be more worried about standing in line and someone coughing near you or the child with the yellow runny nose behind you in line. if it is going to happen that child is going to get sick it is going to happen. the flu can be spread before someone even shows signs of the flu.

 

[DSNY4ever]

I doubt this will make you feel better, but the flu just hit my friends and family by storm- my dad, nephews, husband, etc. And they ALL got the flu shot. It is never 100% effective. I know I worry about my family catching anything in Disneyworld because of all the germs...and the hopes for the perfect vacation, but it's just a risk we take, and I hope you come home healthy with wonderful memories!!!

I second the wiping down the room. And carry wet wipes to clean hands before all snacking, and try to eat healthy and drink lots of water, it will help. Good luck!

 

[Lisa71]

All viruses love theme parks. Wipe down surfaces as wash your hands or use sanitizer often. You can get the flu anywhere so I would just go!

 

[angelmom27]

We never do the flu shot. We just make sure to wash our hands regularly and user hand sanitizer. No one in the house has ever had the flu even after going to disney. Relax and have a fun time.

 

[pednurse]

The flu (real flu---influenza) is airborne as it is a respiratory virus, not a gastrointestinal one. While hand washing is great for helping prevent the spread of numerous bacteria & viruses, if someone has the flu & coughs in your vicinity, you may catch the flu no matter what you wash/cleanse. And people are contagious before they are symptomatic. Best option is flu shot. For those that can't receive the flu shot or haven't had it long enough before their trip to be effective, staying as healthy as possible in other ways (healthy eating, exercise, etc) is your best option other than avoiding crowds during flu season.

 

[SamSam]

We never do the flu shot. We just make sure to wash our hands regularly and user hand sanitizer. No one in the house has ever had the flu even after going to disney. Relax and have a fun time.

This is us. Dh and I have only had flu shots once and that was when our daughter had preemie twins and told us that her doctor wanted anyone in contact them to get one.

We wash our hands....a lot!..we only use sanitizer in new environments. Neither of us have ever had the flu and we're in the 60+ category.

 

[QueenofScott]

We are due to arrive at WDW on Saturday. My son came down sick over the weekend. Took him to the doc yesterday and he tested positive for flu He and my daughter had the flumist; hubby and I had flu shots. Now I am worried one or more of us will catch it and not be able to go (doc says DS should be all good by time for the trip). I have had several friends say thru know people who have gotten the shot this year and still contracted the flu. We have a package paid in full. Not only would we be heartbroken to not be able to go (haven't had a vacay in about 8 years), we really can't afford to lose the thousands we have paid for our trip. Guess I just needed a place to whine

 

[SweetMissy]

We're a family who doesn't do the flu shots or any vaccine for that matter before 2 years old, and our little one (just over 2) has already been to disneyworld twice and has lived to tell the tale. You're right with all you plan on doing....frequent frequent frequent handwashing or hand sanitizer, plenty of fluids, vitamin C. Little tricks that I do, open doors with your arm or back if possible, use your arm for the soap and paper towels in the restrooms, don't touch ropes/bars in lines, etc. Relax and enjoy!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We are due to arrive at WDW on Saturday. My son came down sick over the weekend. Took him to the doc yesterday and he tested positive for flu He and my daughter had the flumist; hubby and I had flu shots. Now I am worried one or more of us will catch it and not be able to go (doc says DS should be all good by time for the trip). I have had several friends say thru know people who have gotten the shot this year and still contracted the flu. We have a package paid in full. Not only would we be heartbroken to not be able to go (haven't had a vacay in about 8 years), we really can't afford to lose the thousands we have paid for our trip. Guess I just needed a place to whine

Two words of advice for the future - trip insurance.

 

[Jen12573]

We were due to arrive today, just me and DH (we have no kids). DH came down with the stomach plague on Sunday, so we made the decision to postpone. I was afraid he'd have a relapse, or I'd catch it. The thought of being sick on the plane or in WDW (after spending all that $$ on the trip) worried me. We called on Sunday and postponed our trip to March with no fees, and it will end up costing us less. I hope everyone stays healthy, but if you need to do so, hopefully postponing is an option for your family. Good luck, and good health.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

We got hit with norvo virus more then the flu. I don't think there is a shot fit that. Especially cruising is worrisome.

 

[rt2dz]

Remember, the flu shot gives you protection on 4 strains of the flu this year. There are other strains out there that you can still get. Having the shot doesn't even guarantee that you won't get one of those 4 strains, just if you do get it, it should be less severe. And, as another poster said, it's airborne. Washing hands is great, but it's nowhere near massive protection.

Our family always gets the flu shot. Well, almost always. The one year we missed, we all had it--BAD! DS#2 was respiratory issues, so it's especially important to vaccinate him. Although, he's the kid that still got chicken pox (from Disney--whole incubation period we were there) despite being vaccinated.

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