Might want to get those flu shots soon.

[WDWisTheBest]

If you haven't gotten them, you might want to consider doing so before coming to WDW.

With all the visitors from all over the planet, you can never tell what having the flu shot before coming to WDW will do for you.

But, I would suggest getting the shot about two weeks before coming to WDW.

 

[off2disney]

Really good idea! I got mine about a month ago (even got my pneumonia booster a couple of weeks ago). They are predicting a really bad flu season and I know several people that have had pneumonia in the past month, so it's really good to be protected when you're around a lot of people from all over the world.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

"Will this year's flu vaccine protect me from the flu?

Influenza viruses are changing all the time, and vaccine effectiveness depends, in part, on the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses. Although the A (H3N2) strain in this year’s flu vaccine is somewhat different from the main circulating strain causing illness in the United States so far, laboratory studies indicate that the vaccine should still provide some cross-protection against the circulating A (H3N2) strain.

Because flu viruses are already circulating in some communities, it’s even more important to get the vaccine now. "

Coming to WDW should be fun, but why not take the precaution to protect against the flu?

 

[ABCMom]

Since this is the first day since Sunday I've been out of the house because I had the flu, I would whole heartedly agree with this tip!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Sorry you had the flu, ABCmom, but hope you are on the mend. Rest and lots of clear fluids certainly will help.

Here is something about vaccine supplies and how flu is transmitted:
"How the Influenza Virus Is Passed Around
The flu is spread, or transmitted, when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends flu virus into the air, and other people inhale the virus. The virus enters the nose, throat, or lungs of a person and begins to multiply, causing symptoms of influenza. Influenza may, less often, be spread when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it – a door handle, for instance – and then touches his or her nose or mouth. "

So washing hands certainly is recommended but it is not the full answer.

And, MSNBC just reported that there are localized outages of vaccine, especially where the flu has already struck. Colorado and Texas are two states that are notable. An ounce of prevention in taking the shot certainly is prudent.

But, come on down to WDW and enjoy, just don't bring the flu on the plane with you.

 

[off2disney]

They are also reporting that the only two (2) companies that make the flu vaccines are already out of supplies (although some clinics and doctor's offices should still have a supply). Although the flu strain that they are vaccinating people for has mutated, it should still help alleviate the severity and symptoms if you get the flu.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

"Another alternative is the FluMist, the more expensive inhaled version of the vaccine. Its maker, MedImmune Vaccines, made between 4 million and 5 million doses this year. Spokeswoman Jamie Lacey said that as of Nov. 18, the company had sold 400,000 doses, and "there is still a wide supply available."

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Julie Gerberding, said that in a typical year, around 70 million to 75 million Americans get the shots. It is not unusual for supplies to run short this time of year, as health care providers stop giving vaccinations.

The sudden late demand for flu shots was triggered by reports of an especially bad flu season, especially for children. In Colorado, more than 6,300 people have been infected and at least six have died. All the dead were under 16 years old.

Colorado is one of 10 states with a widespread flu outbreak, the highest designation given by the CDC. The others are Texas, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Arkansas, Tennessee and Pennsylvania."

So, just keep trying if you haven't located the flu shots so far. They are still available but you may have to look for them