I recommend flu shots for kids!!

[nanc]

My daughter in January on the Magic got the stomach flu and had to miss Castaway. Thank goodness my wonderful mom offered to stay in and take care of her (and clean up all day) so my husband and I could be with our other three at the beach. I felt so guilty and bad for my 12 year old all day that it was hard to enjoy it. There are sooo many kids on board carrying soooo many germs that we are protected (somewhat) this time for our December cruise.

I called my physician and spoke to our local pharmacist in detail about the flu shots and risks. My doctor had to call the pharmacy (where we got the shots) to give a dr order so they could get them. Yesterday after school I took my four kids with me and we all got the flu shots. I think it was a very well spent $75 ($15 a person). Our entire family took Bonine as well (kids much smaller doses) two days before, all during, and two days after our cruise. None of us got sick!!

I just wouldn't want to miss one day of enjoyment with Disney!!!!
nanc

 

[Cindyluwho]

We were on the Disney Cruise last year in November and three people in our party of 6 ended up with the flu, either while still on board or just days after we arrived home. Hubby and I got our flue shots about 4 weeks ago, we're going on the Nov 16th Eastern this year and don't want to take any chances. I'd think you probably get exposed to as many if not more germs on the airplane ride with the crummy air getting re-circulated. We didn't get a flu shot for our 9 year old daughter, never thought of it actually but it sounds like a good idea.

 

[nanc]

I figured if I can give that advice and save one child that it was worth the post.

Enjoy your trip!!

nanc

 

[mcnuss]

I am sorry to be the dissenting voice here, but "stomach flu" is not the same as influenza, which is what the flu shot helps to prevent, so you shouldn't feel guilty, it is highly doubtful that the shot would have preveted your child from getting sick. (see below from WebMD)

Stomach flu is gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis, sometimes called stomach flu, is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by infection with certain types of bacteria or viruses or by some poisons.

The symptoms of gastroenteritis include:

Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Abdominal cramps.
Sometimes fever.
Stomach flu usually goes away without medical treatment in 1 to 2 days. Home treatment can relieve the symptoms of stomach flu and prevent problems, such as dehydration.

If you are concerned with influenza and trying to decide whether to get the shot, see http://my.webmd.com/content/article/4068.115.

BTW - I agree wholeheartedly with Cindyluwho about the airplane and the germs. The most disgusting parts of the plane are the armrests, the table trays and the restrooms. Did you see the recent articles about how bad the water is coming from the taps on the planes? I bring wipes with me when I fly, now I am really glad I do!

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

We just got back from the 4 day Wonder (10/27) and then spent 3 days at WDW. MY 17 month DS missed all day Saturday because he caught something on board and he threw up every 10 minutes and then my poor 4 year old DS threw up all the way back to NC Sunday.

I loved cruising att he end of October, low hurricane risks. WONDERFUL weather but the flu is a risk this time of year. Luckily did not ruin the cruise but did WDW.

 

[mcnuss]

For those of you whose children became ill, I am wondering if they used the pools a lot? I read a whole mess of posts about a month ago about the problems with the pools and my DD once got sick from a public pool so I am wondering if there is a relationship there?

 

[nicurnc]

mcnuss,
I think that might be the likely culprit. Pool water with so many kids in and out, and still reports of non-potty trained kids in them, would easily make a kid sick.
Parnents should remember that changes in diet and the excitement of a big vacation can also play havoc to a little ones GI system.
You are also correct about the difference between stomach flu and influenza. But flu shots for influenza are still a good idea, especially for cruisers during these months...no one wants the flu (which lasts lots longer than stomach flu) to ruin a vacation that's probably been looked forward to for a long time

Loretta

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

in our case. My son's school here in NC had it last week and my parents did to. I think in our case it was bad timing but you have made a good point. Same with the rides at WDW wherever there are little ones with "bugs" and hands in their mouths there will be illness.

 

[mcnuss]

I've posted this before and I am sure there are people out there who think I am a germ nutcase, but I carry wipes with me whenever we travel. I will often wipe down the airplane armrests, table trays, etc... We used to get sick a lot after travel (and now I am on a plane almost every week) but now that I do this, we rarely pick up colds on planes. I never thought about the rides at theme parks (eeewww), but I am not sure I can bring myself to clean them too. DD is getting to the age where my mere presence is an embarrassment and this would put her over the edge.

nicurnc- good point about getting the shots anyway. It's too late for us now as we cruise in 2 weeks so our immunity would not be there, but for others, esp. those cruising later in the flu season, great idea.

 

[ducklite]

mcnuss, you took the words right out of my mouth.

The "stomache flu" can't be avoided with a shot. The best way to avoid it is excellent sanitation, hand washing, trying to touch as little as possible in public places, and avoiding contaminated water, etc.

True influenza is FAR more serious, and can be spread via aerosol--sneezing, counghing, etc.

I had influenza a few years ago. I caught it at WDW--was there 11 days and came down with the flu the day after I got home. It ranks right up there as one of the most retched illnesses I've ever suffered through. I would have back surgery again before I had influenza again. True influenza usually lasts about a week, and you'll still feel weak and wiped out up to three weeks after the onstart of symptoms.

Anne

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I have to disagree about having children get flu shots. I decided to get my 2 1/2 year old twins flu shots 3 months before we went on our 1st cruise. DD was hospitalized within 48 hours of getting the shot due to flu like symptoms and uncontrollable vomiting. I questioned her doctor about whether the flu shot was the cause and she said it probably was and recommended that my kids not get the second part of the shot or ever get it again. Every person that I know who has received a flu shot has gotten sick from it.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Ohhh goodness, I too would rather go thru almost anything than suffer a really bad flu...

I think sometimes it pays to be germ-freak!! You know, the germs are everywhere. You cannot help from getting them on your hands. Just can't function without touching everything you come in contact with.... While a few bugs can be spread thru the air... usually in prolonged close contact (airplanes, classrooms, etc...) The BIG culprit is touching your hands to your face! Saw one special on TV where they researched this fact. They looked at footage from cameras in public places... Sorry folks, not just little kids, but even ADULTS were always rubbing their eyes, and uggghhhh, rubbing or picking the nose!! mouth, etc.... etc....

Keep those hands AWAY from your face! And start early teaching your little ones to do the same. After all, having dirty hands does not make you sick, but transferring those germs to the nose or eyes will do it every time. I found that simply always having plenty of tissue handy for this purpose really helps.

Just remembered that TV special and wanted to share.

 

[Cindyluwho]

In my post above I mentioned that members of our party came down with the flu. I just wanted to be clear that we indeed did have "influenza" and not a "stomach flu". Why people still call it stomach flu is beyond me, but it's no member of the influenza family. Most illnesses that involve vomiting are food-borne or germ-borne. Great points have been made in this thread about frequent hand washing etc, which will help with all illnesses. I've never taken wipes onto the plane but I'm thinking it's a darned good idea, thanks.

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I know I must be a little behind on the times, but I never realized until just recently that all the 'anti-bacterial' products that I diligently had been using could actually be causing myself and my family to be more sick than healthy! It makes perfect sense, anti-bacterial products kill most germs, including the 'good' germs that kill the 'bad' germs! I learned this from the Montessori school that my 3 year attends. We are responsible for bring in some cleaning products every month and the only thing they requested is that we NOT purchase anti-bacterial products. Frequent handwashing is the key and the school has adopted lesson plans that require handwashing as part of the steps.

When in public, it probably is ideal to use Purel (and such) anti-bacterial liquids, but at home I guess it's most ideal to just wash hands frequently with regular soap.

 

[MelissaE1]

I read an interesting thing about germs one time... it said if you don't think you are touching your face all the time, put some chalk on your fingers. You'll be surprised at how much ends up on your face. We just do it without thinking or noticing.

I also carry wipes with me. There is an ugly virus going around here that is putting kids into the hospital right and left. Of course today I had to take my (well) child into the pediatrician for a minor thing. Every time we go to the pediatrician with well kids they get sick as a result of the visit! I told both my kids to keep their hands to themselves, not touch every chair in the place, and keep their hands away from their faces. (I know, I was dreaming.) My DS8 took me so seriously he stood the whole time with his hands behind his back (gave me a laugh.) But, my DD4 of course sat in 20 chairs, put her mouth on about 5 of them, touched all the community toys and books, and picked up a dropped piece of "freezie pop" and put it back in her mouth. All this between touching her mouth and nose about 200 times. Oy! At least we're not cruising next week...

 

[nanc]

I was glad to see that a lot of you responded to my original comment about the flu shots. Whether my daughter did or didn't have the influenza verses the "stomach flu" I'm still glad we will have more protection from getting sick and ruining an expensive vacation that would not only cause them to miss the fun but also atleast one parent. Yes, kids and adults need to not touch their face in public places but it happens and we can't wipe everything down that we touch or breath. The flu shots is a preventitive medicine that has no risks. For the costs and the very minor discomfort I think it is well worth it!!!!

 

[weloveminnie]

I want one because I like shots!!!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Melissa, LOL about your your description of both of your kids at the Pediatrician!!! Hey, I know they want to make that endlessssss wait more bearable for the kids with those 'community' toys... but Ewwww!!!

Think I'll get some garlic to wear around my neck!!!

Don't want to try the chalk thing... I would end up running out of the house to run an errand, not remembering the chalk all over my face, and I wouldn't have any excuses. Halloween was a week ago!!!

 

[JiminyMac]

This is not true. All vaccinations have risks. Some are less risky than others, but as Tay N Evie's Mom's situation illustrated, anyone can have a reaction. You should only vaccinate your children if your physician recommends it. Also, don't forget that flu shots are a crap shoot. The CDC makes an educated guess as to which strain of flu will be prevalent in your part of the country, and that's what gets shipped. It is not all-inclusive. If they are wrong, then you are not protected. For those of you who have had the shots and gotten influenza, this is most likely what occurred.

 

[tezb]

This is very true. The flu shot does NOT protect you from every virus that might be around. There is still a chance you can get influenza. You should also not vaccine your kids just because....I work in a hospital and they only recommend the vaccine for certain high risk groups..such as...elderly and people w/ serious respiratory problems, people like nurses who work w/ ill people, kids who have autoimmune diseases or serious chronic illnesses like asthma. You should still take necessary precautions and don't assume you are 100% protected....Also, people w/ an egg allergy should NOT get the flu shot.

The best prevention is still washing your hands, rest, good diet.