Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[JLTraveling]

All of these types of posts, which seem to be the majority here, are exactly why I am at home right now! While your immune system is healthy and able to fight off the flu easily, the immune suppressed people are at your careless mercy when you go around spreading your "mild flu" germs.

Ok, I guess this is all a farce! Go to WDW! Let us know how it goes!

Why even ask for the Tamiflu at all? I have a better chance of dying from a twit on cell phone! Nevermind that common sense (much less every gov't official) says it's a big deal.

My community is in the middle of a major outbreak due to the selfish approach like this! Yes, we're better able to handle any virus these days, medicine has come a long way. And we have respirators. But people, don't ignore the health warnings and go about your life business as usual. Your going to spread this further and then those of us with June trips won't be able to go either because we'll all still be spreading it around! They're trying to stop the spread! Let's all help out here, if only for those that could be seriously harmed by a "mild flu".

Sorry! My perspective is a little different here. We have 140 cases in my small community!
I'm at home and not ashamed to say it! Gasp, I'm actually following the directive of our health officials and trying to stay healthy.

Thank you for being one of the sole voices of reason here! This is exactly the point I've been flamed for making for the past 24 hours straight. That's all well and good for healthy people with strong immune systems not to care about a "mild flu" (well, if they ignore the fact that except for the 23 month old, everyone who's died has been in that same demographic). But what they fail to understand is that a) they are potentially spreading the flu to someone who is immunocompromised, very young, or very old, and at enhanced risk of death; b) all of the hand sanitizing and "precautionary" measures they're taking are making it more likely for the disease to mutate into something far beyond a "mild flu"; c) spreading it farther and wider and making containment impossible.

If everyone would just make a concerted effort to do something for once in their lives that wasn't self-centered, something for the common good, and STAY HOME for a few days, this virus would go away and we could all go back to having fun. But apparently the masses are perfectly okay with potentially killing other people so their good time isn't ruined. Selfish, selfish, selfish.

Sorry, didn't mean to unload on you. I know we're both on the same side. Great post

 

[morgy827]

Out of all these posts is anyone scheduled to go this week and NOT??? I am hoping that this will make for low crowds too!!

We're still going for sure...we're just going to practice our routine precautions...wash your hands a lot!! We always do his anyway. I went to the mall today and it was pretty crowded so if I'm not scared to head to the mall then I'm not scared to head to WDW.

I'm a nurse so I figure it's probably worse for me to stay at home and work with sick people than it is to go to WDW!!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I agree with your right to go on vacation, but the truth is you are taking the chance of bringing it back to your community. Now you may be healthy, and not worried about it but what about the others around you. I dont mean to argue, I really have a hard time knowing what is the right thing about this. But is it responsible for us who dont have it to travel where we know it is and take the chance of bringing it back home. I know I will get flamed for this but I think it is a legimate question.

Is this not true to a certain extent each and every time one travels to another part of the country/world? We are susceptible to carry a potpourri of viruses, sicknesses, and infections that may be brand new to our hometown.

 

[Bigbluebear]

The pandemic guidlines from WHO are a little vague. To put this pandemic in context, by their criteria HIV is a stage 6 pandemic. So is malaria, toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, hepatitis, and over 40 variants of the common cold virus. that's just off the top of my head, there will be 1000s more which fit the criteria.

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

Interesting article.....the first case of H1N1 and how rapidly it does spread, after reading it, perhaps some should consider how many cases have NOT been reported as most have not been tested...

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g455QbNH6MX58YhjROrBrwVC_F_QD97SV3Q80

 

[Toad_Passenger]

I agree with your right to go on vacation, but the truth is you are taking the chance of bringing it back to your community. Now you may be healthy, and not worried about it but what about the others around you. I dont mean to argue, I really have a hard time knowing what is the right thing about this. But is it responsible for us who dont have it to travel where we know it is and take the chance of bringing it back home. I know I will get flamed for this but I think it is a legimate question.

I think your question is completely legitimate and I would never flame anyone for how they feel, just as I would hope they would extend to me the same respect.

This is a very tough decision to make, but I'm not a cynic as to the government's agenda, so I will take their guidance on this. As of now they are saying that if you are healthy there is no reason not to travel if you have a trip planned. Now I don't leave for another 3 weeks, so all I can do is listen everyday and if they change their tune, than I will do the same.

At this point, though, I'm only providing the information the CDC officials gave for those who are traveling within the next few days, and their guidance was to go if you're healthy, but be sure to take the necessary precautions.

 

[doho95fu]

We're still going for sure...we're just going to practice our routine precautions...wash your hands a lot!! We always do his anyway. I went to the mall today and it was pretty crowded so if I'm not scared to head to the mall then I'm not scared to head to WDW.

I'm a nurse so I figure it's probably worse for me to stay at home and work with sick people than it is to go to WDW!!

The mall is not the same and it has been said before. Disney is a special case because of the tremendous diversity of the population existing on the property. Does your mall attract people from all over the world? Does its population turnover nearly 100% weekly? Does nearly 100% of its population use mass transit to get there? Does most of its population move through large transportation hubs within the viral incubation period?

If everyone wants to go to Disney - fine. But people here are getting flamed for being reasonable. Many of those flaming are relying on very questionable rationale and I find that scary to be honest.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

If everyone would just make a concerted effort to do something for once in their lives that wasn't self-centered, something for the common good, and STAY HOME for a few days, this virus would go away and we could all go back to having fun. But apparently the masses are perfectly okay with potentially killing other people so their good time isn't ruined. Selfish, selfish, selfish.

Yeah, this describes me to a tee... self-centered and never interested in the common good. Throw in a dash of "perfectly okay with potentially killing other people" and you've got me red-handed.

While we're at it could we get people to stop using their cellphones while driving, and also driving while drunk? Sadly, that kills many many more people than have been affecetd by swine flu.

 

[maroo]

I totally agree with everything you have said. As someone with a nursing background, this is much more dangerous than the public is being led to believe. The govt is trying to suppress widespread panic, but I believe that in the next 2 weeks this thing is going to BE PANDEMIC, we are going to have multiple deaths and unlike the normal flu, it won't be the old and infirmed, it will be virile 20-40 yr olds. I personally will be canceling my WDW trip for July next month if it pans out like I believe it will. The directives given for health care professionals is reason enough for me to be concerned.

We are definitely getting background information. That is not being released to the public.

I think we probably should not release it here, either. I the govt is really trying to curb the panic, which is a good thing.

I won't be buying any more airline tickets or any more party tickets until a few weeks and we can see where this had truly gone.

 

[ms mouse]

Is this not true to a certain extent each and every time one travels to another part of the country/world? We are susceptible to carry a potpourri of viruses, sicknesses, and infections that may be brand new to our hometown.

The difference is this is a highly contageous illness that we have no natural immunity. When you look at the number of people who die each year with the "average flu" which some people carry immunity to it makes me worry about what could happen with this strain.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

If everyone wants to go to Disney - fine. But people here are getting flamed for being reasonable. Many of those flaming are relying on very questionable rationale and I find that scary to be honest.

I guess I don't understand what can be considered questionable rationale? We're following the advice laid out by the CDC & WHO, people who know a lot more about it than we do. Should I instead listen to my neighbor's advice? All we can go on is what we're told and make our decisions based on that. I wouldn't call it questionable.

 

[JLTraveling]

Yeah, this describes me to a tee... self-centered and never interested in the common good. Throw in a dash of "perfectly okay with potentially killing other people" and you've got me red-handed.

While we're at it could we get people to stop using their cellphones while driving, and also driving while drunk? Sadly, that kills many many more people than have been affecetd by swine flu.

I agree with you entirely on those two points. And they actually help to prove the point. What can I do about cellphone use while driving or drunk driving? Simple. I can not use my cellphone while driving or drive while intoxicated. What can I do about not spreading swine flu? Simple. I can take utmost precautions not to contract it in the first place and, if I do anyway, take those same precautions to avoid spreading it.

In my opinion, if you choose to treat this as a "mild flu" and refuse to stay home in order to practice social distancing containment measures, then YOU are the drunk driver on the cell phone.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Irresponsible? If they thought that having people go about their business would infect the entire nation, wouldn't that also be irresponsible? I would say so, but given the facts they have, they don't see that happening.

I live in a state where there are no confirmed cases, I have not been to Mexico, nor been anywhere near anyone who has been to Mexico, and I am healthy, so I see no reason why I shouldn't go on my vacation, be it by plane, train, or automobile.

I'm only taking exception to the fact that you were accusing someone of spreading their "mild flu" germs when you don't know everyone's situation. Just as we don't know everything going on in your community and your situation, you don't know about ours.

Yes, you are from a state with no cases, but you're going to get on a plane with many people you don't know, some of which may be from affected areas.

No one knew anyone with it in my community FOUR days ago. Heed the warnings. It will spread! Especially with a general consensus of nothing to worry about.

And, right now I don't think they're as worried about infecting the nation as they are about several other things. Put yourself in the shoes of gov't officials: What would you say to the public? You can't have the entire nation just cease doing everything. That's not practical, the entire economy would collapse as well as long term affects to travel and tourism not to mention the health care industry.

I'm not saying everyone here lock yourself in, I am just trying to show you the dichotomy here: people in your community will be infected before they realize it and you may be exposed and a carrier before you realize it. No one knows how fast it's going to move or what will happen. But in this day and age, as fast and easily as we travel and move around the country and world, chances are this is going to be pretty difficult to stop.

No, it's not going to kill everyone, we're not all going to die. A vast majority will get through the illness, should they contract it, without any lasting effects or reason to be hospitalized. But some, unfortunately, will be gravely affected. My heart goes out to them. I was hospitalized for 3 days 2 years ago with complications from Influenza A. I developed pnumonia. I am a healthy, active, normal 38 year old with no health complications. I know what CAN happen. I am not freaking out or trying to cause mass hysteria. But I do see some contradictions, false reporting, problems in our government, etc that lead me to believe I am the one responsible for protecting my own family.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

We are definitely getting background information. That is not being released to the public.

I think we probably should not release it here, either. I the govt is really trying to curb the panic, which is a good thing.

I won't be buying any more airline tickets or any more party tickets until a few weeks and we can see where this had truly gone.

I would say that if the medical community is keeping anything a secret then that is being highly irresponsible. If they are really that concerned then why let the government "lie" to everyone? If you really want people to be safe and listen to the "stay indoors" mentality then by all means release that information.

 

[DisneyNewbiie]

Are we still talking about this?Look everybody is diffrent some people are worried others not so.Do what you think is best!!lets go back to talking about DOLE WHIP!!!!!!This is my 1st time ever to disney is it at every park? How good is it really come on...be honest

 

[doho95fu]

I guess I don't understand what can be considered questionable rationale? We're following the advice laid out by the CDC & WHO, people who know a lot more about it than we do. Should I instead listen to my neighbor's advice? All we can go on is what we're told and make our decisions based on that. I wouldn't call it questionable.

Please show me where I said that. I said many people, not all. I agree we should listen to the CDC. I disagree that I should feel comfortable going to Disney because I return home safely from the mall or since more people die from drunk driving. I am not trying to argue for the sake of it.

 

[SpectroMax]

I wondered that same thing?

Does anyone know? I know this thread is moving fast.

I didn't read through to see if this had been answered yet. However, they were NOT at all the same group. They confirmed cases were out of Newberry, SC. The Disney related cases are out of Greenville, SC.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

I agree with you entirely on those two points. And they actually help to prove the point. What can I do about cellphone use while driving or drunk driving? Simple. I can not use my cellphone while driving or drive while intoxicated. What can I do about not spreading swine flu? Simple. I can take utmost precautions not to contract it in the first place and, if I do anyway, take those same precautions to avoid spreading it.

In my opinion, if you choose to treat this as a "mild flu" and refuse to stay home in order to practice social distancing containment measures, then YOU are the drunk driver on the cell phone.

In the midst of the hysteria currently afoot you probably missed upthread where I said I'd change plans/actions accordingly as needed. Don't worry, I don't take offense at your personal attack on me. This wouldn't be the first time I've unknowingly become a straw man. I know this is a scary time for lots of people, and it's hard for some to maintain perspective.

Have a Disney day.

 

[maroo]

I would say that if the medical community is keeping anything a secret then that is being highly irresponsible. If they are really that concerned then why let the government "lie" to everyone? If you really want people to be safe and listen to the "stay indoors" mentality then by all means release that information.

It has already been discussed on here. The email posted by Grace earlier has a lot of information, from a physician, that is not being "released" to the public yet.

That is why she is so upset. Five days ago life was "normal" in her area and now she can't go to the store without seeing masks. Her kids are all out of school and hundreds in her county ALONE are considered infected.

If that was posted on CNN or described in detail by the CDC, do you think people would be a little nervous? Maybe panic? It is all in how it is presented.

The CDC is right...and even if you live next door to Grace...the advice is the same...

Wash your hands. Stay home if you are sick. Don't stop living. Don't freak out. Just be careful.

But, Grace has pointed this out, there are approximately 2 days when a person is infectious and has few symptoms. There are also those that may have the flu and show no symptoms. All of that has been discussed on here.

But, for me, the next few weeks will be telling on how far this goes. And until then, I don't plan on investing any more money on future trips.

There is nothing I know that has not already been said here at some point in these many pages!

 

[KATIESMOMMY]

I would say that if the medical community is keeping anything a secret then that is being highly irresponsible. If they are really that concerned then why let the government "lie" to everyone? If you really want people to be safe and listen to the "stay indoors" mentality then by all means release that information.

What most do not understand is that the CDC and WHO do NOT know EXACTLY what they are dealing with at this point. In Disney terms, think of Chicken Little. He saw the sky fall, but no one believed him, when it did it again, he was too scared to say because at this point he didnt know what was going to happen and not panic everyone.

At this point, they know they have a new bug, it is highly contagious and they know that if treated within the first 48 hours Tamiflu is effective for treating the symptoms. Outside of that, they just don't know. The Gov't wont panic the people until it is so far gone that just isolation will not help....