Staying Healthy on Vacation

[abctriplets]

Reiterating what many said:

1) Don't worry about other people. Just worry about yourself. Wear the mask on the plane, gloves at the meal, etc.

2) Don't worry about your friend. Inviting a friend on this trip is the smart thing to do. If they agree to come, they're not coming on a "Let's see WDW!" - instead, they are coming on a "Let's spend some quality time with my friend" trip. That much seems obvious, so there should be no concern about not hitting every ride.

3) Take it slow. Get the cart to ride in. Take breaks at the first aid station.

4) And yes, avoid the buffet line.

There's no reason to push yourself more than necessary or take more risks than necessary. You're already taking risks with traveling on a plane, traveling to a very crowded destination, and traveling during cold season. And you may be more tired than you are now. So while you're there, try to take care of yourself as much as possible, and minimize everything else. (if it's a cold day....don't ride Splash Mountain, etc.)

 

[Ozzygirl]

I'm so happy for you that you are going on your dream vacation! I have gone with my mom, who is older, and the best parts of the trip was sitting on a swing, resting on benches at the parks and people watching. I wouldn't trade those trips for the world.

I avoid buffets because I think they are unhygienic just my opinion but they can be scary . Be careful of elevator buttons and railings, I use my elbow to push buttons. All the other tips are great and should really help you avoid getting sick.

My final thought is ask your friend, it's an opportunity for them to spend an important time with you and experience the slower more relaxed details of Disney that they may never see

 

[momto3gsds]

Thanks again everyone. I have a feeling WDW is going to be a lot clearer when I leave, what with all the Lysol and wipes I'm going to use

I did think of one thing I'm going to make sure I do and wanted to post it in case this thread is helping someone else. Be sure to get your flu shot if that's something your doctor thinks you should have. And you should get it in advance of your trip to make sure its affective by the time you travel

I've really learned some valuable tips here. I know they've helped me and I so hope they help others as well.

 

[disney212]

Thanks again everyone. I have a feeling WDW is going to be a lot clearer when I leave, what with all the Lysol and wipes I'm going to use

I did think of one thing I'm going to make sure I do and wanted to post it in case this thread is helping someone else. Be sure to get your flu shot if that's something your doctor thinks you should have. And you should get it in advance of your trip to make sure its affective by the time you travel

I've really learned some valuable tips here. I know they've helped me and I so hope they help others as well.

Dont forget a pneumonia shot and your vaccine for shingles if you have had chicken pox.

 

[AudreyKThompson]

I think all the tips here are great! They also have masks with Mickey on them and ear loops ( more comfy) designed for pediatric patients- super cute. Basic hand washing tips- use a paper towel to turn off the faucet post hand washing. I would consider an ecv because the more energy you use getting place to place could make you more susceptible to illness. You may also want to consider a DAS so that you can wait and people watch, eat, hydrate, stay comfy in the shade rather than in close proximity to the germs of lots of strangers. Please don't think of these steps as "acting sick" but as safeguards to keep you strong and fighting!!
A word of caution regarding the advice of " don't forget xx vaccine". . . vaccines may not produce the desired response/immunity in someone immunocompromised, and can even be dangerous. Please discuss with your doctors whether a step like that would be appropriate given your health status.
ITA with pp- ask a friend! It is always nice to have company especially if a medical emergency were to happen, and I'm sure anyone who would agree to go with you would not feel "bothered" or "slowed down"
My grandfather lived 9 wonderful years after his 3 months to live terminal cancer diagnosis- l wish you the best, just like him!!
Have a wonderful, magical time!!!

 

[momto3gsds]

I think all the tips here are great! They also have masks with Mickey on them and ear loops ( more comfy) designed for pediatric patients- super cute. Basic hand washing tips- use a paper towel to turn off the faucet post hand washing. I would consider an ecv because the more energy you use getting place to place could make you more susceptible to illness. You may also want to consider a DAS so that you can wait and people watch, eat, hydrate, stay comfy in the shade rather than in close proximity to the germs of lots of strangers. Please don't think of these steps as "acting sick" but as safeguards to keep you strong and fighting!!
A word of caution regarding the advice of " don't forget xx vaccine". . . vaccines may not produce the desired response/immunity in someone immunocompromised, and can even be dangerous. Please discuss with your doctors whether a step like that would be appropriate given your health status.
ITA with pp- ask a friend! It is always nice to have company especially if a medical emergency were to happen, and I'm sure anyone who would agree to go with you would not feel "bothered" or "slowed down"
My grandfather lived 9 wonderful years after his 3 months to live terminal cancer diagnosis- l wish you the best, just like him!!
Have a wonderful, magical time!!!

Thanks. Yes, it is important to check with your doctor before getting a flu shot. This is also true for supplements and other things. Someone mentioned Airborne and this is something I'll check with my doctor on.

I'm stunned by some of the things I can't take. There are certain meds I can only take on certain days (so many days before and so many days after chemo). There are other things I can't take at all. Just to be safe, I run EVERYTHING by my oncologist.

I'm so glad your grandfather lived so long. I'm hopeful for many more years but my focus is on the now and near future. I'm just happy to be alive AND planning a trip to WDW

I don't think I'd qualify for a DAS pass but I might inquire about it. If I rent a scooter I won't need it but I'm really hoping not to have to do that. One thing I'm finding as I read though this is I'm more open to getting a scooter so maybe by the time the trip comes I will have decided to do so. If I do I'd want something snazzy lol

 

[Dede0901]

I saw someone post that they brought ziploc bags to put the tv remote in. I guess it doesn't interfere with operation.

Also you may want to pop over to the disABILITIES board. There is a ton of helpful information there.

I wish I was going in November. I would hang out with you. I hope you have a fantastic time and that you are covered in pixie dust.

 

[baseballnut]

Just my two cents worth... Ask your friend! No one will care if you are "slowing them down". Heck...we will need to slow down.

Allow people who love you to spend time with you! Either way, go and have a wonderful time. And let us know how it goes!

This!!! Absolutely allow someone the pleasure of having fun with you!!!!! Please!!!

I think you've gotten a lot of great suggestions. Remember to hydrate all day long, and get rest. Don't worry about what anyone thinks if you're wearing disposable gloves or a mask. Have fun!!!!

 

[lauradis]

Do call the resorts main number to get the front desk.. tell them your health issue. ask for a deep clean

leaving a note for housekeeping everyday with a tip will help too.


if you dont want to wear plastic gloves to touch common places people put their hands you could always get cute little hand gloves like 1950 stlye to wear at buffets, plane, etc

try to advoid touching door knobs, jams etc.

personally I would put disfectic wipes in my suit case and wipe down all normal place people touch in my room.

wear a mask on the plane.

 

[lauradis]

I saw someone post that they brought ziploc bags to put the tv remote in. I guess it doesn't interfere with operation.

Also you may want to pop over to the disABILITIES board. There is a ton of helpful information there.

I wish I was going in November. I would hang out with you. I hope you have a fantastic time and that you are covered in pixie dust.

I bucket bag will work too for the remote. tons of guest do this at the hotel I work at.

 

[ajasmom]

I hope you have an amazing trip. Last time we flew I brought Lysol wipes and wiped down everything near my seat armrest, fold down tray. The window etc. the person sitting next to me asked if I could spare a wipe for her. Of course I gave her one. There were several adults on the plane coughing. And I wish they would have worn a mask. I may include the bin my carry on bag for May next trip as we never know who will be next to you. Wishing you lots of pixie dust.

 

[mara512]

I don't have any additions to the suggestions already given but I wanted to reply. I too think you should use a mask, it is about you staying healthy not anyone else. I am a plane snob, (for lack of a better term). I would put myself in a plastic bag to fly if I could. With the recycled air you just never know.

Ask your friend to join you. He/she may want to join you but would feel like an intruder if uninvited.

Most importantly I hope you have a trip filled with Pixie Dust and am sending healing prayers your way!

 

[BriAlie]

I hope you have a magical trip, free of illness, and full of fun! I would absolutely wear the mask on the plane! I would also flat-out avoid the buffets altogether. With a compromised immune system, you simply can not be too careful!

Another thing that maybe no one thinks about is your clothing and hair... I would take a shower and put on clean clothes before getting into bed. Imagine all of the nasty stuff you are sitting in, walking through, and leaning up against as you go through a day in the parks. Then you crawl into bed with those same clothes (such as for an afternoon nap, etc) and it gets all over your sheets and especially the pillows, where you lay your face. So easy to spread illness that way. So keep that in mind, too! No dirty clothes in the bed, lol.


Have a great time!

 

[JoeA]

At this point about everything I say is a repeat but...

We use Lysol wipes on the plane. Arm rest. Tray. You name it.

Hand sanitizer is a must. All those little creepy kids wiping their nose...!

Don't worry one second about the mask. I travel about every week for business and those mask are very common sights. And if they weren't...screw 'em!

And the most import thing - have a darn good time! We have a very dear family friend battling cancer and we took her two years ago, which was a few years after "her time". She had the time of her life. We're now planning a trip to HI with her next year!

I think the real key is to eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get lots and lots of rest. And don't stress over anything!

 

[stackyallred]

Because you need to be diligent about germs, you could tell your server you have special dietary needs when at buffets. They will then bring out a chef who you can share your concerns with. You can tell them what you would like from the buffet but ask if it can be made fresh in the back and delivered to your table, bypassing the buffet line. I have multiple food allergies and the chef always does this for me (they won't even let me pick and choose from buffet for fear of cross contamination). As far as Disney goes, "special diets" does not only mean food allergies. It refers to anyone who has a dietary need that differs from the "normal" guest. All chefs are different but I have had some amazing ones who have gone FAR and above what they needed to to accommodate me. It never hurts to share your concern and see if they can help you to enjoy your vacation even more!

Before my allergies were diagnosed and avoided, I was sick ALL the time with bugs. One thing I found to be helpful and still do is to use something to keep the inside of your nose moist. Colds and infections breed inside a dry nasal cavity. I use 100% unrefined organic coconut oil for this. It is anti viral/fungal/bacterial and when unrefined has barely any scent. I put it on a q tip and rub inside my nostrils every morning and night when traveling. I really notice a difference when I do this!

I also use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils applied to my feet every day when traveling. I use oils that have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Applying them with a carrier oil to the feet is a very safe and effective way to prevent/fight viruses.

You are getting lots of great advice. I hope you have a magical trip!

 

[momto3gsds]

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I really like the idea of talking to the Chef at the buffets. I was so looking forward to the two meals I have planned at the Crystal Palace, but had concerns after reading about the possible germ exposure with them. Talking to the Chef is a great idea. I'll do this!!!

I'll have wipes and hand sanitizer on me at all times and will be as careful as I can be. I'm so looking forward to the trip!!!

 

[Missymouse18]

My hats off to you for your positive attitude! I hope you have a fantastic trip!
Most of what you already have planned is great for precautions. One tip I always give is this: get your paper towels ready BEFORE you wash your hands in the parks. Then after your hands are dry, keep your paper towels in your hand and use it open the exit door of the bathroom, THEN throw it away. It might not sound like much, but every little bit helps

 

[mgsquared]

Hi!!
I'm a daycare teacher so I know all about avoiding germs! Tricks I have learned:

1) hand sanitizer- yes but get one that is gentle to your hands and moisturizing. If there is an all natural one- get that.

2) wipes- again. Already mentioned. An all natural version works best

3) antibacterial spray that is good for surfaces and fabrics. Definitely have Disney deep clean your room!

4) saltwater nasal spray and saltwater mouth rinse! This is where the germs stay! It will help kill them before they enter your system. Do this twice a day.

5) I saw on shark tank these every day nostril germ guards that are not noticeable. Maybe this could be something?

6) change your clothes!!! No one mentioned this but it is what changed my life. Hubby and I used to be sick all winter long. Them we added a disinfecting rinse to our laundry and it stopped! During flu season I come home and change straight away and the clothes from work go in a bag! I change into something fresh, clean, and disinfected. Shower if I can or if I was around a lot of sick kids. It made such a difference! I haven't been sick in forever.

Change your clothes often and put the *dirty* ones in a bag! It's really the best tip I can give you!

And please take a friend and a scooter! You should enjoy your trip! Getting to rest while going from one ride to another will be priceless! And your friend will get to skip lines with you sometimes! It will be so cool! Your scooter will carry the wipes, and water, and healthy snacks... It will make it all more enjoyable. Everyone will be jealous!
Your friend will be happy to have time with you! And mad if you don't ask!!

Also, please consider the chemicals you are adding to your body with all the disinfecting. It can be counter productive. See if you can find all natural disinfectants.

*hugs*

Mariana

 

[momto3gsds]

I'll have to check out that nasal spray. Thank you. I never would have thought about changing my clothes when I go to take my nap but it does make sense. Great suggestions!

My next PET CT Scan will be the end of next month so I've got to get a good report on that (hoping for no new growth) and then I'll be able to breathe easier. I'm so looking forward to this trip and being healthy on it

Thanks again for all the tips.

 

[Caelan Van Kanne]

This is true, we must be very cautious about safety of our health during a trip. Thanks for sharing your tips!