Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[Toad_Passenger]

Nothing wrong with that theory. In fact, I like it. However the other side of the coin is, in 1918 we didn't have flu vaccines to drive the mutation of different strains of the virus. Also, an outbreak would be more likely to be contained in a quarantined area. We didn't pile into subways like sardines everday, come in contact with hundreds if not thousands of people on a daily basis, or hop onto planes and transports our local germs all over the face of the globe. So there are benefits and drawbacks when comparing the two situations.

It is an interesting debate. A virus can only live so long as it is getting passed around which is why it mutates. If it is too strong and kills its host too fast the virus will not survive. Some scientists are postulating that's why we have deaths in Mexico, but more "mild" cases in the USA, that the virus mutated to allow itself to be more easily passed, but in doing so weakened itself drastically. I've learned so much about bio-science in the last week it makes me want to go back to college (or is it the parties that make me want to go back?)

 

[paxsarah]

You notice we don't hear about 6 flags shutting down in the effected areas do we?
And they have confirmed cases!

Except in Mexico City.

I've got a quick Google finger and a propensity to be contrary.

 

[praline3001]

Sure they can. Or they won't.
I just think overall, we are much better equipped to deal with this than 90 years ago. There are some nutter scientists out there predicting the end of human civilization once the big one hits. Sure it could, but it probably won't. And if it does, we'll all be dead and we won't care. Life is like a box of chocolates, Forrest. :lol

That pretty much sums it up!

Am I concerned? HECK YEA as I have a kid with pulmonary restrictive disease (similar to asthma). If he catches the flu, strep, croup his behind is in a hospital bed with an IV hooked to his arm. We do get the flu shot every year and I am always careful about germs....
I am not panicky YET ~ cause I am told now is not the time
BUT these local leaders are all spouting off stuff like they are freaking PHD rocket scientist and that is hysterical.
The majority of what they are telling you is bogus.

 

[praline3001]

Thanks! For all those attending MVMCP, we're rolling out the new product line. Presenting Meat Muffs!

Errr just watch yourself around pluto ~ he might take a liking to you

 

[praline3001]

It is an interesting debate. A virus can only live so long as it is getting passed around which is why it mutates. If it is too strong and kills its host too fast the virus will not survive. Some scientists are postulating that's why we have deaths in Mexico, but more "mild" cases in the USA, that the virus mutated to allow itself to be more easily passed, but in doing so weakened itself drastically. I've learned so much about bio-science in the last week it makes me want to go back to college (or is it the parties that make me want to go back?)

Go back to college? Heck you should run for Gov.
you know more than 1/2 those bozos pretending to be PHD medical experts
Either that or you can work for CNN

 

[Toad_Passenger]

That pretty much sums it up!

Am I concerned? HECK YEA as I have a kid with pulmonary restrictive disease (similar to asthma). If he catches the flu, strep, croup his behind is in a hospital bed with an IV hooked to his arm. We do get the flu shot every year and I am always careful about germs....
I am not panicky YET ~ cause I am told now is not the time
BUT these local leaders are all spouting off stuff like they are freaking PHD rocket scientist and that is hysterical.
The majority of what they are telling you is bogus.

You mentioned your child with pulmonary restrictive disease. In our area we are starting to see a Whooping Cough outbreak as well, would this also be something you would have to watch out for? Apparently they're starting to take this serious, as well.

 

[praline3001]

You mentioned your child with pulmonary restrictive disease. In our area we are starting to see a Whooping Cough outbreak as well, would this also be something you would have to watch out for? Apparently they're starting to take this serious, as well.

He has been vaccinated for whooping cough but yeah they would be another thing that could put him in the hospital.
They have to monitor his blood ox levels to make sure he doesn't turn blue
Anything that can restrict his airways can put him in.

Orapred works wonders for him! I know its a steroid and I hate giving it to him but the first sign of issues and we give it to him it helps soooo much. He has been hospitalized 8 times and twice in ICU.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

He has been vaccinated for whooping cough but yeah they would be another thing that could put him in the hospital.
They have to monitor his blood ox levels to make sure he doesn't turn blue
Anything that can restrict his airways can put him in.

Orapred works wonders for him! I know its a steroid and I hate giving it to him but the first sign of issues and we give it to him it helps soooo much. He has been hospitalized 8 times and twice in ICU.

Well you have to do what you have to do when it comes to your children. We've had a really rough year with my DD so far. She's had one thing after another and we've finally been clear for the past 2 weeks so we REALLY need our WDW vacation in 3 weeks. But, of course, now we have the Flu putting a wrench in our plans which dims the excitement a bit. We are still planning on going at this point, though, but, geez, we can't catch a break this year.

 

[SpectroMax]

It is an interesting debate. A virus can only live so long as it is getting passed around which is why it mutates. If it is too strong and kills its host too fast the virus will not survive. Some scientists are postulating that's why we have deaths in Mexico, but more "mild" cases in the USA, that the virus mutated to allow itself to be more easily passed, but in doing so weakened itself drastically. I've learned so much about bio-science in the last week it makes me want to go back to college (or is it the parties that make me want to go back?)

Its the parties!

Yea its an interesting debate, I think your correct in thinking that medical advances far outweigh the disadvantages that we face today compared to the environment in 1918. But there is something to be said for the speed at which a bug can circle the globe this day in time.

 

[praline3001]

I did want to mention that I do not treat him like a boy in the bubble. His behind went to school today ~ even though he tried to con me into letting him stay home (TEENS)

I am careful about germs and he knows the drill about hand washing... and staying away from sick people.
My mama warning "You know how much fun it is to have an IV stuck in your arm..." that usually gets him moving on going to wash his hands before he eats

I do not homeschool or treat him any different than any other kid. There is also VERY much the social side of things... KIWM?

 

[irunnoft]

What we really need during this pandemic crisis of Irwin Allen proportions is a voice of reason...............




Where is Tom Cruise?!!!!

 

[praline3001]

Well you have to do what you have to do when it comes to your children. We've had a really rough year with my DD so far. She's had one thing after another and we've finally been clear for the past 2 weeks so we REALLY need our WDW vacation in 3 weeks. But, of course, now we have the Flu putting a wrench in our plans which dims the excitement a bit. We are still planning on going at this point, though, but, geez, we can't catch a break this year.

I really think you will be fine at Disney...just take some precautions. Start with getting on her case about not touching her face with her hands. That is the number one way germs are spread ~ hand to face contact.
Those germs have to go in her mouth, nose or eyes for her to catch anything. Sure someone could walk up to her and snot all over her ... then she can deck him for laying boogers on her face but the majority can be prevented by not putting your hands in your mouth or nose.
Oh an bring along hazmat suits with your rain ponchos

 

[PatriciaH]

Again another great post! If I had a company like Disney here so I didn't have to pay property tax EVER ~ errrr that rat would be tattooed on my chest

We pay more in property taxes than we did in NYC.

 

[praline3001]

We pay more in property taxes than we did in NYC.

OOPS I meant state income tax ..sorry

 

[praline3001]

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1895184_1895183_1895182,00.html


NOW even TIME is on the don't panic train

 

[maroo]

*** Please read this before you post! Most of the regular posters on this thread, including the OP, are NOT worried about the swine flu!

This thread was created to discuss an interesting subject and how it relates to Disney. Please read a few pages before posting.

We are not "hysterical" or "crazy." Some posters are canceling trips to Disney. MOST are not. A few of the posters are experiencing this flu first hand and are sharing their personal experiences. Some posters are adding very funny jokes and we certainly appreciate that as well!

We are aware that 36,000 people die every year from the seasonal flu. We are also fully aware that there are many other worty causes to discuss. Having said all of that - feel free to join the discussion!



I posted THIS on the first post... because I am frankly tired of the folks that seem to think we are all crazy for even discussing this interesting topic. When I got up this AM and saw all of the flaming posting, it just irritated me.

Is there anything in the pink wording that I should change?

 

[Colleen27]

The Orlando media seems as bad as the Atlanta media in that they can't wait to have some kind of local connection to a story. It's like they are hoping WDW and Orlando become a hotspot for swine flu. Even if the SC band does have swine flu it does not mean they got it at WDW. They really seem desperate to report on swine flu cases in central FL.

Well, I'm sure it is a quick ratings boost... All a station has to do is run the teaser "Swine Flu at WDW?" and not only will locals tune it, people from all over the country start checking the website compulsively for the latest updates.

 

[praline3001]

*** Please read this before you post! Most of the regular posters on this thread, including the OP, are NOT worried about the swine flu!

This thread was created to discuss an interesting subject and how it relates to Disney. Please read a few pages before posting.

We are not "hysterical" or "crazy." Some posters are canceling trips to Disney. MOST are not. A few of the posters are experiencing this flu first hand and are sharing their personal experiences. Some posters are adding very funny jokes and we certainly appreciate that as well!

We are aware that 36,000 people die every year from the seasonal flu. We are also fully aware that there are many other worty causes to discuss. Having said all of that - feel free to join the discussion!



I posted THIS on the first post... because I am frankly tired of the folks that seem to think we are all crazy for even discussing this interesting topic. When I got up this AM and saw all of the flaming posting, it just irritated me.

Is there anything in the pink wording that I should change?

worty should be worthy ~~~ errr I don't want to talk about frogs

other than that GREAT!

Anyone know when the WHO is having their next announcements? I want to see about that case in Spain they are watching

 

[Colleen27]

Nothing wrong with that theory. In fact, I like it. However the other side of the coin is, in 1918 we didn't have flu vaccines to drive the mutation of different strains of the virus. Also, an outbreak would be more likely to be contained in a quarantined area. We didn't pile into subways like sardines everday, come in contact with hundreds if not thousands of people on a daily basis, or hop onto planes and transports our local germs all over the face of the globe. So there are benefits and drawbacks when comparing the two situations.

But remember, the 1918 pandemic occured in the midst of WWI. So while the population as a whole wasn't as mobile as they are now, the virus had plenty of troop movements to ensure a ticket around the world.

I think the developments of vaccines, anti-virals, and antibiotics to deal with secondary infections, as well as improvements in hygeine, make the likelihood of another 1918-like flu pandemic pretty slim. IMO, the next global health issue of that magnitude will have to be a much more serious disease, either something that we're not familiar with at all or (more likely) a treatment resistant "super bug".

 

[maroo]

I wasn't really freaked out at all until I started reading this thread. Normally I just freak out about fears of planes crashing and terrorists (lived 4 blocks from WTC on 9/11).

Please don't freak out! Especially over this thread! The last 20 pages or so have brought lots of encouraging news, including the fact that the virus is mild (the scientists are reporting now). Go and enjoy your vacation!

You can't believe the hysteria?
I can't believe the amount of people who post to a thread without reading it
there is NOT ONE person on here that is panic stricken You know why? Our leaders told us "Now is not the time to panic"
So we are all sitting here waiting to be told when the proper time to panic is
Seriously ~ you need to read the thread completely before you post.

Thank you, Brook!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe the OP can change the title of the thread?!?!?! That way every 3 pages we won't get one of these I can't believe the hysteria kind of posts ... but I must admit this is a great test on how people surf the DIS LOL

I added a paragraph on Post 1...See if it meets with the approval of the SF thread!

Well while this article won't be popular because it does NOT feed the "we are all going to die mentality" the media seems to be pushing.

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1895184_1895183_1895182,00.html

"A computer model by researchers at Northwestern University estimated that even if nothing were done to slow the spread of the disease from now on, by the end of May the U.S. would have only about 1,700 cases. The good news is that H1N1 is hitting North America at the tail end of its flu season. It's possible that the virus may peter out and re-appear next autumn, but that gives us months to prepare."


Article has a lot of other good advice.

And before you say "we have more cases then that now" Do we? We have more people at the MD, ER etc (as this article points out everyone with the sniffles has now gone to the ER just to clog up the medical system!) But how many of those are really this disease and how many are things like the common cold, seasonal allergies, etc. (you can have a low grade fever with the common cold for example) If you really LOOK there's a LARGE disconnect between "reports" and "confirmed" Once again this may be due to the overall inefficiecies in the US "reporting" system. One thing the CDC is watching for example is prescriptions for Tamiflu. If you have "quick writing" Doctor Jones who prescribes just to get the patient off the phone....... (And the aritcle points that that taking this when you do not need it is bad and may make you sicker later!)

I appreciate this article. We posted a very similar article last night and discussed it.