Just CANCELLED OUR TRIP-Afraid of the FLU

[WDWgirls]

Lookingforward - I see you are from South Florida - where did you find flu shots for your kids? I have been looking but cant find them anywhere. My husband and I found them for us but no children doses were available. We are suppose to go to WDW tomorrow but now I'm feeling like the worst mom in the world if I go. My kids are 8 and not high risk but I still worry.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

WDWgirls-go and enjoy! The flu is bad every year and kills thousands every year. It is getting played up by the media now as some children have died early on. Children have died from the flu every year. I am not making light of the situation, but I think there is too much panic that the media is causing now. Yes, we got our shots in Oct. as we do every year(all 4 of us). No, we don't know if it will provide total protection, but I did all I could. I hear the nasal spray is readily available, and Tamiflu can be prescribed for those that get sick(lessen illness) OR have a family member who has the real flu(it can prevent it in the others who take it asap). Last year SARS had people running scared, I guess there will always be something. At least this has brought the flu shot to peoples attention who usually will not get it.
We were at WDW over Thanksgiving and around many people and got nothing. Not to say you won't, but you can get it staying home and going to the store just as easily.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by leopardspot
Thanks Everybody!!!

Kimberle-Your daughter is beautiful. How old was she when you stopped being so scary about her being a preemie and considered her a "normal" baby?

Thanks!
I'd say I kind of gratually stopped "worrying" abt preemie issues. I took her to her Early Intervention therapist for regular evaluations. I was a bit easier after each one when she was on target or above target. I did breath a big sigh of relief when she "gratuated" around her 2nd bday. She was physicall the same as full termers born the same time.

I think as parents, we never really stop worrying abt our kids.

Disney's not going anywhere. Spring will be here before we know. Maybe you can go in May or June.

(When you have a preemies, you've always got to follow your "gut". Somethings we preemies parents do may seem crazy & overprotective to others, but life *is* different for us! But they do grow, & we do "forget", and before you know it your child is off to kindergarten....)

 

[swilphil]

I think you were wise to follow the advice of your doctor. I know that the flu death rates of preemie infants is much higher. You will be able to enjoy your trip so much more later when you won't have to worry about this, and just think with your daughter being older she will be able to enjoy more, even if she's just a few months older. That's great that the Swan didn't charge you the deposit. We stayed at the Dolphin this summer and S/D is such a great location! Definitely try to stay there when you replan your trip.

 

[disneymom3]

When I read the title of your post, my first reaction was thinking it was a bit extreme. However, after finding out about your little one, I think you made the best choice. My son was not a preemie but he was very ill the first 9 months or so of his life. I would not have chanced anything with his health. What is the payoff in the long run? Even if she were to get sick at home, at least you don't have the guilt of feeling like you could have prevented it. You have to do what you feel most comfortable with. I think this was a very selfless decision on your part. It's hard to let go of something we really want to do. Good for you for doing what you felt was best for your child.

 

[IandGsmom]

I am a mom of twins born at 27 weeks. They are now 6 years old. I can't blame you for not going on your trip.
Even now they are sensitive to getting colds, coughs.
People take their sick selfs and kids on those trips because they can't/won't reschedule and being around sooo many people just isn't worth it in my opinion. You can always go later.

 

[tnkrbell]

wdwgirl pm me My pediatrician had some as of last tuesday!! I live inSouth florida also!!

 

[Hawk]

Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable!!!

Hawk

 

[purplebelle]

I think the chances of catching the flu is the same no matter where you are in the US...

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Originally posted by Hawk
Unbelievable, absolutely unbelievable!!!

Hawk

 

[Sammie]

We all know that you can catch the flu anywhere. But I agree that if you have a small child and the outbreak is extreme right now, that if you are going to get it I would prefer to be at home near my family doctor.

 

[disneycastle]

While we aren't going to Disney we are going to Hawaii over new years week and if we had kids, we would really have to sit down and re-think about going.

I am sure that you made the right decision and your little one probably isn't old enough to get disapointed or even remember this cancelation.

I guess we are lucking out because I had this early in Spring and it was awful, but the nice thing is once I get it out of my system, I usually (knock on wood) don't get it back and have been really healthy since.

Good luck and stay healthy.

DC

 

[MELSMICE]

I don't think I would have cancelled because I was afraid my kids could get sick, heck they've gotten sick while we are there without there being a flu epidemic, but everyone has to do what they feel is right for their family.

My twin DD's were born at 37 weeks & I was told that they were considered full term for twins, (they are 11) They were sent home with me after 4 days, so I'm not being sarcastic here, maybe just naive - is a baby really considered preemie if they are 36.5 or 37 weeks? ?

Again, maybe I'm just naive, but they have been pretty healthy. They have had bronchitis & pneumonia & one of them has asthma & allergies, but it seems as though tons & tons of kids out there have the same things. Maybe I just take things too much in stride.

Anyway, each individual has to be comfortable with their own decision. I am sure you'll have another Disney trip planned before you know it.

 

[leopardspot]

MELSMICE-I do not know about 36-37 weeks. My daughter was born at 34 weeks (33wks 5days) . She was in the NICU for a week. Once she is older I would agree with you that you can get sick anywhere/anytime. But, with her already being at risk for RSV and having to take a shot each month to prevent it, I can NOT see putting her at any more risk so I will listen to the doctors. If the flu had not already killed so many kids, I think I would be more at ease...
We both know that MOST people will go on a trip and out in public if they are sick-even if it is the flu...Hell, I always did before I had my daughter!!! So, the flu germs will be all around Disney!!!

 

[huey duey & luey]

leopardspot. I also dont blame you for cancelling. I have triplets born at 31 weeks, we also did synagis last year and received the flu shot this year. Last year we went to disney in Oct (booked prior to their birth) everthing was fine, but if I had thought better about it I would have went prod sept or may. We are pretty isolated during rsv season last year we didnt really go anywhere. This year I will get together with friends in a small group but I dont go to crowded areas malls. I have 2 that alwys develop a cough and require the nebulizer. You can definately not be 2 careful.
Also 37 weeks is considered full term for a baby
Tara

 

[polkadotminnie]

My 4 year old is just getting over the flu. (We all had the shot and she is the only one who got it. Luckily, the baby has been fine.) It is lasting a while- 7 days so far. I don't know about cancelling that is a personal decision, but I will tell you my kids did catch chicken pox at Disney 3 years ago.

 

[jcemom]

If I had a child at risk such as yours is, I probably would have done the same thing. It's just not worth taking a chance.

My middle child was born at 34 weeks and came home after only three days. We never had any problems or complications, but I can understand how you are so worried given your baby's medical history.

Having said that, DD (my youngest) will be 16 months when we go the beginning of February and I have not even considered cancelling the trip because of the flu. I figure she can catch it just as easily at the store, picking her brothers up from school, or at the school holiday program we just attended! She was full term and in terrific health, though.

 

[Geoff_M]

Both of her doctors (pediatrician and pulmonologist) said they did NOT recomment the flu shot due to the thermisol issue.

{{{groan!}}}

I can't blame you for not going due to WDW due to your daughter's at-risk situation, but it drives me nuts that people won't let go of the thermisol "issue" no matter how big the mountain of data is that points to there being no "issue". People are afraid of the phantom boogey man while ignoring the very real dangers of real childhood killers.

Case in point close to home. We got word yesterday that a school friend of my daughter's was diagnosed with "whooping cough". It's not uncommon for childhood vaccinations of whooping cough to no longer provide protection once a person is in the teenage years, per her doctor. The county health department has strongly recommended that anyone that has come in contact with the sick student get on antibiotics as a precaution. My daughter started her regime of Biaxin today.

We have mutual friends with the stricken girl's family who has an infant daughter. They are strong members of the "no vaccinations" crowd. Needless to say they are a little freaked out now that their daughter may have been exposed to "whooping cough"... an disease that used to kill large numbers of young children annually in this country. They're so concerned that they didn't want my wife to hold their 10 month old last night for fear that it might increase her chances of exposure.

 

[lookingforward]

I live in Boca raton and I found the shots for my kids but can't find them for me. I would rather they get it anyway. PM me anytime and I will give you the number of the clinic I went to. My peditrician ran out as did my doctor.

The press may be making a huge deal of all this but I remember 1968 when the flu was widespread and how scary it was. (I was VERY young at the time but have an excellent memory ..lol) It is always better to be safe, especially when dealing with a child who is still vulnerable.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just remember, the vaccine that they have available is not effective against all the strains of flu that are causing problems out there now.