Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[fluff_astrid]

I can't help but think that if you work in an office with many people, you're probably already exposing yourself as badly as on a plane. Some of my coworkers are less hygenically careful (coughing with their mouths open, convincing themselves to come to work sick, leaving half-full cups of coffee around) than small children

Certainly if you're concerned/immune compromised take the safe measures and cancel trips if needed, but be aware that office environments, shopping malls, stores, etc. are just as much breeding grounds for this stuff as airplanes and parks (thanks to AC systems, people touching things, etc).

I guess my point is that you can't avoid it 100%, just be careful.

 

[fla4fun]

I think this is another case of each person having to make the right decision for their family. If you have people in your family with compromised immune systems, or who can have very severe complications from the common cold, obviously your situation is going to be different from someone who doesn't have these issues. So it may be a good idea for some to cancel now, a good idea for some to cancel later, and a good idea for some not to cancel at all.

I have a reservation for August. I am hoping all this flu is behind us by then, but if not, I am still planning to go. It's my vacation. I could have a good time with a couple new books to read, and just sitting out on my balcony. I don't have to go to the parks to have fun - and I usually spend less than 50% of my time in the parks on a normal trip anyway. I'm a firm believer in hand washing, and using hand wash towelettes right before dining. I will be in a villa, so I can prepare my own meals if necessary. I will be educated in the best ways to prevent the illness, but I'm not going to confine myself to my house to avoid it either. That's my personal choice.

 

[RMulieri]

I suddenly have a picture in my head of Kevin Bacon at the end of Animal House holding up his hands and telling people to remain calm, as the hordes of panicked people trample him

 

[avahoneybee]

Just a little perspective.

20,000-30,000 people die from the Flu every year. While I think it is important to take precautions to protect you and your family from the Swine flu, it's not a time to panic.

 

[PapillonMom]

The only thing I am really concerned about is having my school closed down for a week because of swine flu. A majority of our students are from Mexico (89%) and needless to say they often go back to visit family. If even one kid is diagnosed they can close the school for up to a week. My trip is only a week and a half after the last day of school. So if they have to close it twice I will be up a creek. (Since those days will need to be made up)

I am hoping that since we are so close to summer break they will not be heading to Mexico until school is out. I think my chances of getting it are much higher here at work than at WDW.

 

[kristin t]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach over this. We leave on Friday, and I was so looking forward to it, but now I'm obsessed with every bit of info about swine flu. I worry all the time anyway, but it's really bad now. Disney is my absolute favorite place in the world, and when we go, I never even watch the news to see what going on in the world. I don't want to spoil my trip by worrying the entire time. My husband thinks everything will be just fine - he's always very positive about everything. Our 2 kids are so excited to go, and I don't want to upset them because of me, but I also don't want to get there and everyone gets sick and it's just like worst case senario coming true.

 

[MelanieC]

I would go and just be watchful of other people. Take precautions and stay away from people who look or act sick. I definately wouldn't cancel plans this early in the game.

 

[RMulieri]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach over this. We leave on Friday, and I was so looking forward to it, but now I'm obsessed with every bit of info about swine flu. I worry all the time anyway, but it's really bad now. Disney is my absolute favorite place in the world, and when we go, I never even watch the news to see what going on in the world. I don't want to spoil my trip by worrying the entire time. My husband thinks everything will be just fine - he's always very positive about everything. Our 2 kids are so excited to go, and I don't want to upset them because of me, but I also don't want to get there and everyone gets sick and it's just like worst case senario coming true.

You can't control it other than taking a few precautions, but you can control your stress level. So don't stress as much.The more you stress the more your lower your bodies immune threshold and are MORE likely to get sick.Go enjoy your trip, the only thing worrying does is make you ill and age you

 

[luvthemouse71]

I agree that we shouldn't panic, but taking precautions is not the same as panicking. True, this virus hasn't killed anyone in the U.S....yet. The virus could mutate quickly into something more dangerous. Public health officials won't be able to keep up with it.

But it's out of our control. There's no reason to stop living your life the way you normally do, but take some extra precautions. Hand washing, staying away from sick people, common sense stuff. Don't put blinders over your eyes just because the last few potential breakouts didn't happen.

I would keep my vacation plans, unless I was planning to go to Mexico.

Very good post. While we shouldn't think "the sky is falling"... burying our heads in the sand isn't a good idea either. We need to remember that this flu is not the same thing as the seasonal flu. It's a combo of human, swine and bird viruses and people don't have a natural immunity. Doctors have been saying over the past few days that just because no deaths have happened in the US yet, they are a strong probability. Viruses mutate. And again, it hits the young and healthy adults the hardest. Think about it..that's most of your workforce.

We are also notoriously bad as a society about staying home when we are sick or keeping our kids home when they're sick. Or for that matter, getting flu shots. Granted, there is not a shot for this virus, but it goes to show the level of non-compliance that's present.I believe this is going to be a huge factor..Just the other day, at my local library there was this 4 year old kid hacking and coughing like crazy. Obviously, I don't think it was Swine Flu. But why was this kid out? I have coworkers who come in with fevers. I hope that should it come to it, God forbid, the local governments will be willing to enforce quarantines. They've been closing down events and schools, which is a positive thing.

If you and your kids are sick..Stay Home!!! It's selfish to do otherwise, IMHO

 

[Moonstorm]

I am absolutely sick to my stomach over this. We leave on Friday, and I was so looking forward to it, but now I'm obsessed with every bit of info about swine flu. I worry all the time anyway, but it's really bad now. Disney is my absolute favorite place in the world, and when we go, I never even watch the news to see what going on in the world. I don't want to spoil my trip by worrying the entire time. My husband thinks everything will be just fine - he's always very positive about everything. Our 2 kids are so excited to go, and I don't want to upset them because of me, but I also don't want to get there and everyone gets sick and it's just like worst case senario coming true.

I know how you feel - we leave tomorrow. We're driving (from Pa) and we are staying from 4/29 - 5/6

I was so excited for this trip and now I a just feeling anxious.

Family Disney Vacations

Dude in Disney

Next Trip: 4/29/09 - 5/6/09 at the Polynesian! ​

 

[MarieA]

To all the people here who are panicking: Do you panic over the regular flu season every year?

This swine flu strain appears to cause the same type of symptoms as the regular annual influenza. The only reason people are freaking out is because there is no vaccine prepared for it yet.
Remember a couple of years ago when the annual flu vaccine was prepared for the flu season and they GOT IT WRONG? The vaccine everyone got that year was useless against the strain that actually went around the world. This swine flu is just like that scenario.

Why are there so many deaths in Mexico? It could be a number of reasons, lack of good health care, less clean conditions, people may have lower immune systems. There may be another bug going around that already made people sick and this came along.


I did some research and found that the mortality rate for the annual influenza is 5%-10% in the U.S. The mortality rate in Mexico so far seems to be about 8%, if there numbers being reported are correct. The mortality rate for this swine flu in the U.S. so far is 0%.

I really wish everyone will relax and not feed into the fear. Please stop letting the news stations which depend on ratings dictate how frightened you should be. "We have nothing to fear except fear itself" Panic will just create more panic and will not help the situation. Wash your hands regularly and get rest. I firmly believe that this too shall pass. Good health to all.

You said exactly what I was thinking. Right now there are only 40 confirmed cases in the US. I know that it is happening in pockets but if you average that figure out it is not even 1 per state. We are going to WDW in 6 days no matter what.

I work in a preschool and have sick children here on a daily basis. If I were to panic and stay home everytime a child was sick at our preschool, I would never be at work.

 

[CampbellScot]

Very good post. While we shouldn't think "the sky is falling"... burying our heads in the sand isn't a good idea either. We need to remember that this flu is not the same thing as the seasonal flu. It's a combo of human, swine and bird viruses and people don't have a natural immunity. Doctors have been saying over the past few days that just because no deaths have happened in the US yet, they are a strong probability. Viruses mutate. And again, it hits the young and healthy adults the hardest. Think about it..that's most of your workforce.

We are also notoriously bad as a society about staying home when we are sick or keeping our kids home when they're sick. Or for that matter, getting flu shots. Granted, there is not a shot for this virus, but it goes to show the level of non-compliance that's present.I believe this is going to be a huge factor..Just the other day, at my local library there was this 4 year old kid hacking and coughing like crazy. Obviously, I don't think it was Swine Flu. But why was this kid out? I have coworkers who come in with fevers. I hope that should it come to it, God forbid, the local governments will be willing to enforce quarantines. They've been closing down events and schools, which is a positive thing.

If you and your kids are sick..Stay Home!!! It's selfish to do otherwise, IMHO

I'm home today b/c of a hacking horrible cough...I called the school this morning and I got as far as "Hi it's..." and the secretary said "EW, do NOT come in!"

I don't feel like I have the flu...I've had it before...but it's still scary that this bug is all over.

I hope everyone who is traveling soon has a wonderful and illness free trip! Bring a big bottle of hand sanitizer and use it all up! Oprah's favorite doctor Mehmet Oz was on The View this morning and he said that hand sanitizer is KEY. I always thought it was useless against a virus...but if Dr. Oz says so...who am I to question?

 

[RMulieri]

Very good post. While we shouldn't think "the sky is falling"... burying our heads in the sand isn't a good idea either. We need to remember that this flu is not the same thing as the seasonal flu. It's a combo of human, swine and bird viruses and people don't have a natural immunity. Doctors have been saying over the past few days that just because no deaths have happened in the US yet, they are a strong probability. Viruses mutate. And again, it hits the young and healthy adults the hardest. Think about it..that's most of your workforce.

We are also notoriously bad as a society about staying home when we are sick or keeping our kids home when they're sick. Or for that matter, getting flu shots. Granted, there is not a shot for this virus, but it goes to show the level of non-compliance that's present.I believe this is going to be a huge factor..Just the other day, at my local library there was this 4 year old kid hacking and coughing like crazy. Obviously, I don't think it was Swine Flu. But why was this kid out? I have coworkers who come in with fevers. I hope that should it come to it, God forbid, the local governments will be willing to enforce quarantines. They've been closing down events and schools, which is a positive thing.

If you and your kids are sick..Stay Home!!! It's selfish to do otherwise, IMHO

Well I agree to a point. But in my job as an RN in a very large teaching hospital I am exposed every time I go to work, and I get sick, not all the time, but enough. Unfortunately my job allows 3 sick calls in a rolling calendar year, the 4th is a written warning, 5th is suspension pending termination.So guess what? I go to work sick sometimes.I have to, because I have a child who gets sick and I use my time when I have to. So do alot of nurses and Drs.If I didn't go to work everytime I had the sniffles I would have been out of a job many times by now.Now I don't go to work if I am febrile ,vomiting or with diarrhea.If I didn't run the risk of losing my job, I would stay home.Not everyone has the luxury of staying home for every little illness, but you are expected to use good judgement and triage yourself.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I'm home today b/c of a hacking horrible cough...I called the school this morning and I got as far as "Hi it's..." and the secretary said "EW, do NOT come in!"

I don't feel like I have the flu...I've had it before...but it's still scary that this bug is all over.

I hope everyone who is traveling soon has a wonderful and illness free trip! Bring a big bottle of hand sanitizer and use it all up! Oprah's favorite doctor Mehmet Oz was on The View this morning and he said that hand sanitizer is KEY. I always thought it was useless against a virus...but if Dr. Oz says so...who am I to question?

Good for you for staying home, and bravo to your workplace for not pressuring you to come in.

I believe the alcohol based sanitizers are effective against viruses(example..Purell)...anti-bacterial soaps and such are not. And good ol' handwashing..can't go wrong with that.

There are people that have been asking if people "panic" when the seasonal flu hits. No, but I take it seriously. I have seen people in my hospital die from the regular flu. I myself ended up hospitalized because the one year I didn't get a flu shot, I ended up not only with the flu, but with a severe asthma exacerbation. I now get a flu shot every year.

The seasonal flu is nothing to sneeze at!!

 

[murcor]

Its in Canada

http://avrnetwork.com/content.asp?id=26

Four cases of swine flu have been confirmed at Kings-Edgehill School in Windsor, which was closed on Friday as an early precaution. The school is now open again, but precautions are being taken. The four students and at least 17 others who attend the school have been placed in isolation, although in a letter to parents the headmaster advises the list of students who had extensive contact with the infected hasn't been finalized. Students are said to be recovering well and extracurriculars and sports practices are still on, although games against other schools have been canceled.

Canadian and Mexican officials will meet Monday to assess
whether it's safe for thousands of Mexican agricultural workers to travel to Canada in light of the swine flu outbreak.
More than 15,000 Mexican workers are entering Canada this year under a federal seasonal farm worker program. A number of them are due to arrive in the coming days and weeks. However, the volatile state of the flu outbreak in Mexico is creating worries among some Canadian farmers, who regard the Mexican farmhands as crucial for their production. The number of suspected swine flu cases in Mexico has climbed to 1,614, including 103 deaths. Rene Mantha, director-general of the organization that co-ordinates farm-labour placement in Quebec, is working on a "Plan B" in case Canada temporarily suspends the Mexican program. He said a delay of even a few days can hurt local fruit and vegetable growers, for whom May and June are the busiest months.

 

[RMulieri]

I'm home today b/c of a hacking horrible cough...I called the school this morning and I got as far as "Hi it's..." and the secretary said "EW, do NOT come in!"

I don't feel like I have the flu...I've had it before...but it's still scary that this bug is all over.

I hope everyone who is traveling soon has a wonderful and illness free trip! Bring a big bottle of hand sanitizer and use it all up! Oprah's favorite doctor Mehmet Oz was on The View this morning and he said that hand sanitizer is KEY. I always thought it was useless against a virus...but if Dr. Oz says so...who am I to question?

Dr Oz is all well and good but I trust his word about as much as Dr Phils.His area of expertise is cardiac surgery, not microbiology or Infectious disease.

It isn't useless but not as Effective as plain old soap and water.It was never intended to be used as a substitute for soap and water either but a supplement. Most only eradicate 40-80% of viruses .Soap and water is about 96%.The trick is to find a sanitizer with at least an alcohol content of 60% minimum.Which is what is needed to have a higher viral and bacterial kill.

 

[maccagerl]

Well it looks like I'll be out $600.

*** I wish there was something I could say to Disney reservations so they could be a little more ethical.****


If they accept that I had requested the insurance and never tacked it on then I'll get billed another $133 and we can sit tight and wait. What I would use as an excuse for canceling though and getting a reschedule hopefully, I don't know.

Hmmm, kind of ironic that you are questioning Disney's ethics (for simply adhering to their written policies) when you yourself stated that you lied to them about previously requesting insurance and are trying to think up 'excuses' to get out of your trip.

It's pretty apparent that YOU are the one who is ethically challenged, not Disney!

 

[luvthemouse71]

Well I agree to a point. But in my job as an RN in a very large teaching hospital I am exposed every time I go to work, and I get sick, not all the time, but enough. Unfortunately my job allows 3 sick calls in a rolling calendar year, the 4th is a written warning, 5th is suspension pending termination.So guess what? I go to work sick sometimes.I have to, because I have a child who gets sick and I use my time when I have to. So do alot of nurses and Drs.If I didn't go to work everytime I had the sniffles I would have been out of a job many times by now.Now I don't go to work if I am febrile ,vomiting or with diarrhea.If I didn't run the risk of losing my job, I would stay home.Not everyone has the luxury of staying home for every little illness, but you are expected to use good judgement and triage yourself.

Oh, I hear you...many employers need a smack across the head for their ridiculous sick policies. Thankfully, my hospital is unionized, so we have more sick days and are allowed to use them. I've worked in places that weren't so nice about it and I still called in sick when I thought it was warranted..my patients do not need the flu on top of whatever other things they have going on..I came right out and told them once..go ahead and write me up. If that was their loved one in that stretcher, would they want someone coughing all over them? Long story short..no write-up happened.

If this thing does go big, they are going to have to rethink their policies.

 

[RMulieri]

Oh, I hear you...many employers need a smack across the head for their ridiculous sick policies. Thankfully, my hospital is unionized, so we have more sick days and are allowed to use them. I've worked in places that weren't so nice about it and I still called in sick when I thought it was warranted..my patients do not need the flu on top of whatever other things they have going on..I came right out and told them once..go ahead and write me up. If that was their loved one in that stretcher, would they want someone coughing all over them? Long story short..no write-up happened.

If this thing does go big, they are going to have to rethink their policies.

Oh I know. I was out with the Shingles 2 yrs ago, they were going to write me up..for having a highly Communicable disease...Apparantly being a nurse does not allow you to be human or sick.

 

[kellyf2626]

Ok, so I am a HUGE hypochondriac.....and am a bit worried about our trip coming up on May 23rd. But, not worried enough to cancel!

The government said they are in the process of working with the drug-companies to make a Tamiflu-like drug to work to combat it as well as a vaccine against it. From what I've read and heard on tv, the reason why this is such a huge deal is simply because we have no course of action against it at this point. A doctor also said that in order to be infected while on a plane, you would have to be sitting within 3 rows of an infected person on a flight 5 hours or longer.

I plan on taking regular precautions while down in Disney....and I'm sure Disney is working on a plan themselves as we speak!!