Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[WeLoveLilo05]

Absolutely not! I take my multi-vitamins, wash my hands, and stay away from people who are sneezing and are sick. I student teach with 28 kindergarteners. You can catch all sorts of things with them! I am in no way letting this spoil my vacation.

I personally think the media/government tends to big a huge scare out of things like this, so I will take precautions of course, but I will not cancel my vacation

I just did student teaching with kindergarten as well and I see you are also from NJ....I was surprised I did not get sick while with them (one day 1/2 the class was out with a nasty stomach bug) and now I have to try and avoid this in order ot enjoy my vacation! Ugh!

 

[michelleiada]

Everywhere you go, you are exposed to copius amounts of germs. You can't live in a bubble. The media is absolutely blowing this up to be more than it is. This is just a new strain of influenza. Healthy people do not usually die from it. They may get sick, and feel miserable for a week, but they recover. Now, elderly, very young, and immunosuppressed people are absolutely at a higher risk for death from influenza but even they can recover. People need to be more diligent with hand washing, not touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Eat healthy, get a good night sleep, and excercise daily to keep your immune system strong....and live life. You can't worry about things that may never occur. Now...if the media was reporting an outbreak of the Swine Flu at Disney....then I would certainly rethink it, and wouldn't knowingly expose myself or my family to it. I'm quite sure that there are lots of unwanted viruses at Disney, as well as lots of harmful bacteria that people are exposed to daily and most don't become ill.

 

[melbiel]

I have been nervous because we will be in Disney next week with our three little girls. I am a huge worrier to begin with, so the crazed media is all I need to make myself crazy as well. This being said, I spoke with my pediatrician today, and he told me not to worry and to go as planned. Just try to wipe/wash the kid's hands all the time, which I do like a lunatic anyway.

I also wanted to add that as of this time, there have been no confirmed cases of the flu in FL, or any of the surrounding states for that matter. This can be found here:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30435064?GT1=43001

We live on Long Island and my husband works in NYC. As my husband (who is extremely rational) said, he probably has just as much, if not more, of a chance of catching something, be it the swine flu or something else, from being on the LIRR, the subway, Penn Station, and walking the streets of the city, than from us going on a trip to Disney. I actually cannot wait to get out of NY and go to FL, since we have a bunch of confirmed cases around here.

So, we are going on our trip, but I will be well armed with sanitizers and anti bacterial wipes.

 

[doho95fu]

I do NOT want to be misunderstood or accused of fear mongering. I write about phobias, including health anxiety, for a living, and I'd like to think I have a pretty good handle on sorting out panic from reality.

That said, I wanted to share our experience to help others in making decisions. We currently live about 10 miles from Disney, and my Dad's primary care doctor is in Celebration. He practices at Celebration Hospital, where ill travelers are taken from Disney.

We have a trip planned with my cousin and her husband May 1-May 8, to stay on property and visit the parks. Dad happened to have a doctor appointment today, so we asked the doc about the Disney trip. The doctor paused and carefully considered his response. The measured response was this: "I would cancel the trip. Disney is currently a cesspool of germs."

Now, Dad has some health concerns such as mild COPD, Hep C and cardiovascular disease. The doctor told us that Dad is at particular risk due to his medical condition. However, he did say that he is advising everyone who asks, healthy or not, to stay away from Disney for now. He also recommends staying out of big cities and large gatherings of people in general, but he repeatedly stressed Disney as a particularly bad place to be right now.

The doc did say that he thinks the whole thing is being blown out of proportion, and he believes the virus will be contained in the next month or so. But until then, he thinks going to Disney is a stupid risk to take. Again, he did NOT confirm nor deny the possible swine flu case at Disney, but he was very measured and thorough in his response.

As for us, we're postponing the trip until September and planning to hole up for awhile. Others may see it differently. Just wanted to share what we were told today by a doctor who regularly sees emergency cases from Disney.

Thanks. I spoke to a relative who is the COO of a large regional hospital group and he also advised me as a family member to skip my trip. I think it is indeed a personal decision and everyone here is free to make their own decision. However, many people seem ready to flame anyone who even raises the issue. Concerns about possible Orlando cases are debunked and then completely ridiculous medical facts are cited in return. People are going to do what they want and I thank you for adding a new angle on the issue. It is too bad people do not want to recognize the full spectrum of views on the issue.

One point should be stressed. Although your local Target may have many people in it, it lacks the geographical, ethnic and simply demographic diversity of the group that exists in Disney. Further, many of the people there have recently been on airplanes with people who been in airports with people on other airplanes. If you asked an epidemiologist to name the top 10 spots he/she would close to prevent the spreading of viral infections - it is very likely Disney would be on the list.

I wish all good luck.

 

[Brenle]

Considering there are only 7 deaths worldwide from this, I'd say our chances are good. We are still going May 11-18.


From the WHO http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_28/en/index.html

Swine influenza - update 4
28 April 2009--The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 19:15 GMT, 28 April 2009, seven countries have officially reported cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Canada (6), New Zealand (3), the United Kingdom (2), Israel (2) and Spain (2).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Not sure where you got your info, but there have been 160 deaths from swine flu in Mexico alone, it has sickened close to 2,500 people and 1,300 remain hospitalized. So flame me if you want, but I don't think this is media hype. It's a real concern and that's why they're bringing it to our attention. Our trip this May is in question now. Not cancelling now. Waiting it out to see what happens.

 

[lunapnp]

I am appreciative of the OP for posting this. No comments I am about to make from this point on are in any way tended as a flame to the OP.

I think the MD the OP referred to was (hopefully) referring more to that particular situation for the OP's dad than for the general public. If I had a family member with certain chronic illnesses or who are severely immunocompromised...I doubt very seriously if DW would be on the top of my "to do" list of places to go...regardless of a current "pig flu infestation." As a nurse practititioner, and having worked in health care for several years, I also know that if you ask 100 different doctors a question...you are very likely to get 100 different answers! As I said on another post, I believe the media is running wild with this. I do believe people need to be informed. But, if you will go to the CDC's or WHO's website, you will see that the swine flu presents with the SAME symptoms as seasonal flu. One website (I can't remember if it was CDC or WHO) also said there are probably more cases of swine flu than have not been diagnosed because the symptoms present just as seasonal flu and the patients were not tested for swine flu. (If I read it correctly, that statement was in regards to ALL cases of swine flu and NOT just this CURRENT outbreak.)

Last year (2008), we had three children in my practice that had influenza (not SWINE) that were admitted to the hospital (in intensive care) and had severe respiratory compromise. If the media had reported those cases...how many people would have altered their lives and avoided congested areas? Again, I'm saying people need to be informed and prepared...but not paranoid. If someone can enlighten me, by all means, please do...but for the LIFE of me I can't see what all of the fear is with swine flu? It has no more effects/consequences than seasonal flu. So, what gives on swine flu? Should I be worried that I will grow a curly tail and eat slop???

(As a side note...I have never had the flu vaccine and don't intend to. I have also NEVER had the flu...and again I am a PEDIATRIC nurse practitioner. I am constantly exposed to germs. However, I have had my DDs take it...my oldest because she does have medical issues and my youngest because she was, well, young!)

 

[ttbell]

Not sure where you got your info, but there have been 160 deaths from swine flu in Mexico alone, it has sickened close to 2,500 people and 1,300 remain hospitalized. So flame me if you want, but I don't think this is media hype. It's a real concern and that's why they're bringing it to our attention. Our trip this May is in question now. Not cancelling now. Waiting it out to see what happens.

If you read my post, the information comes from the WHO website. I also posted the link.

 

[famsen]

(As a side note...I have never had the flu vaccine and don't intend to. I have also NEVER had the flu...and again I am a PEDIATRIC nurse practitioner. I am constantly exposed to germs. However, I have had my DDs take it...my oldest because she does have medical issues and my youngest because she was, well, young!)

I'm in the same boat as you: I NEVER had a flu shot and I never intend to unless I have a compromised immune system. I have never had influenza (I may have had it about ten years ago but I never sought medical help so it was never diagnosed and I recovered on my own just fine.

Again, hearing from two different medical experts on ABC news and CNN: the vast majority of people will NEVER contract this strain of swine flu. Of those that contract it, the VAST MAJORITY will recover.

 

[lunapnp]

Again, hearing from two different medical experts on ABC news and CNN: the vast majority of people will NEVER contract this strain of swine flu. Of those that contract it, the VAST MAJORITY will recover.[/QUOTE]

Exactly. I wonder... if this "pandemic" of swine flu had surfaced in Jan/Feb when seasonal flu is rampant would we have so much press/media? I highly doubt it...but I guess we'll never know. I heard one state health official say that if a patient presented with flu-like symptoms, tested NEGATIVE for influenza A, there is a high probability they would test positive for swine flu.

Again, I believe the media does a FANTASTIC job of skewing the facts. My husband and I were just talking about the deaths related to swine flu and he was asking why so many people in Mexico had died from this. My theory is the possible lack of appropriate medical care in Mexico. I don't know this first hand...I have never lived in Mexico. I do, however, see a very LARGE immigrant population where I work. Those people tell stories of the substandard (to say the least) healthcare in Mexico.

 

[JLTraveling]

Thank you for the supportive posts. This hasn't exactly been an easy or cavalier decision to cancel. Dad and I live close, but we were also flying down my cousin and her husband from Nashville--his first trip and her first since childhood. We've had to deal with the fallout on all this.

As for advice specific to my father vs advice to the general population: First and foremost, you have to understand my father's overall lifestyle. In addition to writing on mental health topics, I'm also a travel writer. Since he's retired on disability and a fabulous photographer, I roped Dad into being my regular photographer. So he regularly travels around the world, to all sorts of places with all sorts of germs. We stay in large dorm rooms in international hostels. We head out on potentially dodgy adventures on buses and trains all over the world. He's been hospitalized twice in the past ten years--once for a pulmonary empyema that developed from his stubborn refusal to see a doctor for a flu that didn't go away, and once for a cardiac stent. Recovered beautifully without surgery both times. So he takes reasonable precautions, but hardly shies away from potential bugs. His conditions are quite stable, and his doctor fully supports his decisions.

That's why I found it important to share what the doctor said today. Because it was different and unusual, and sounded potentially serious. Again, the doctor said that he is recommending that everyone, chronically ill or incredibly healthy, avoid Disney for the next month or so until this thing blows through.

Again, I am certainly not trying to tell anyone how to live their lives. I just don't want this information discounted because my father happens to have a couple of chronic conditions, which I've read more than once on this thread.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Ok, I am posting this here for informational purposes only. Not to create more panic. I know there are all types on this board (obviously!) the naysayers and the we're all gonna die people. I am writing from one of the hardest hit areas. Our city created precedent yesterday by closing all of the local school districts. I posted their link earlier. Now I received this forwarded email from an ER doc at our local hospital. While I cannot vouch for his accuracy I can state he treated me for an infection 4 years ago and does not seem to be someone who would sensationalize this problem. Here is the email with some good homeopathic tips included:

Thought this was very good information for you and Jim to have. This is
beginning to look very serious.
Governor Perry had a press conference mid-day and updated the level of
response to pandemic.
The last couple of bullets below suggest some homeopathic and supplement
information that we are all starting on today.


I will keep you updated as Marc sends me information.
Although he is not at the Hospital today, Heather said he has been in
constant contact with the doctors on duty and will probably have to go
back in they are so overrun. They have confirmed 80 cases today. The
CDC alerted them to classify any A positives on the flu test as H1N1
swine flu.


C



Begin forwarded message:








After I returned from a public health meeting yesterday with community
leaders and school officials in Comal County, Heather suggested I send
an update to everyone, because what we are hearing privately from the
CDC and Health Department is so different from what you are hearing in
the media. Some of you know some or maybe all of this, but I will just
list what facts I know.


- The virus is infectious for about 2 days prior to symptom onset
- Virus sheds more than 7 days after symptom onset (possibly as long as
9 days) (this is unusual)
- Since it is such a novel (new) virus, there is no "herd immunity," so
the "attack rate" is very high. This is the percentage of people who
come down with a virus if exposed. Almost everyone who is exposed to
this virus will become infected, though not all will be symptomatc. That
is much higher than seasonal flu, which averages 10-15%. The "clinical
attack rate" may be around 40-50%. This is the number of people who show
symptoms. This is a huge number. It is hard to convey the seriousness of
this.
- The virulence (deadliness) of this virus is as bad here as in Mexico,
and there are folks on ventilators here in the US, right now. This has
not been in the media, but a 23 month old near here is fighting for his
life, and a pregnant woman just south of San Antonio is fighting for her
life. In Mexico, these folks might have died already, but here in the
US, folks are getting Tamiflu or Relenza quickly, and we have ready
access to ventilators. What this means is that within a couple of weeks,
regional hospitals will likely become overwhelmed.
- Some of the kids with positive cases in Comal County had more than 70
contacts before diagnosis.
- There are 10-25 times more actual cases (not "possible" cases --
actual), than what is being reported in the media. The way they fudge on
reporting this is that it takes 3 days to get the confirmatory nod from
the CDC on a given viral culture, but based on epidemiological grounds,
we know that there are more than 10 cases for each "confirmed" case
right now.
- During the night, we crossed the threshold for the definition of a
WHO, Phase 6 global pandemic. This has not happened in any of our
lifetimes so far. We are in uncharted territory.
- I expect President Obama will declare an emergency sometime in the
next 72-96 hours. This may not happen, but if it doesn't, I will be
surprised. When this happens, all public gathering will be cancelled for
10 days.
- I suggest all of us avoid public gatherings. Outdoor activities are
not as likely to lead to infection. It is contained areas and close
contact that are the biggest risk.
- Tamiflu is running out. There is a national stockpile, but it will
have to be carefully managed, as it is not enough to treat the likely
number of infections when this is full-blown. I don't think there is a
big supply of Relenza, but I do not know those numbers. If I had to
choose, I would take Relenza, as I think it gets more drug to the
affected tissue than Tamiflu.
- You should avoid going to the ER if you think you have been exposed or
are symptomatic. ER's south of here are becoming overwhelmed -- and I
mean that -- already. It is coming in waves, but the waves are getting
bigger.
- It appears that this flu produces a distinctive "hoarseness" in many
victims. The symptoms, in general, match other flu's; namely, sore
throat, body aches, headache, cough, and fever. Some have all these
symptoms, while others may have only one or two.
- N-Acetyl-Cysteine -- a nutritional supplement available at the health
food store or Wimberley Pharmacy, has been shown to prevent or lessen
the severity of influenza. I suggest 1200mg, twice a day for adults, and
600mg twice a day in kids over 12. It would be hard to get kids under 12
to take it, but you could try opening the capsules and putting it on
yogurt. For 40 pounds and up, 300-600 mg twice a day, for less than 40
pounds, half that.
- Oscillococinum, a homeopathic remedy, has been vindicated as quite
effective in a large clinical trial in Europe, with an H1N1 variant. You
can buy this at Hill Country Natural Foods, or the Wimberley Pharmacy.




I will try to keep everyone posted if I have any new information.
Meanwhile, don't be afraid just avoid infection. The fewer people
infected the easier it will be for our public officials to manage it.

 

[fluff_astrid]

Man, I'm torn. On the one hand I don't want to be exposed, but on the other it's not guaranteed I won't get it while here (I live in Santa Clara County, CA with several cases).

I've been saving up so long for this vacation (3 years since my last one and much of my savings!) and I've been told there will be no refund. And then on to the issue of paid time off...I had originally planned for this when we still had PTO at work, but since the economy tanked, my workplace has gotten rid of PTO and now has "unofficial" time off, which is basically something you have to negotiate for with your manager.

As you can imagine, because it's not longer a required part of a benefits package, and because it's qualified differently than unpaid time off (no sick days), it is impossible to get more than a day at a time. I have a very workaholic manager. I was lucky because I was grandfathered into this vacation, but if I cancel...well, I'm not getting the time off again unless they lay me off (yikes!). I've already been told that after my vacation I'm not allowed to take another day off until October, which is fine as long as I get to relax

So right now I'm crossing my fingers that I stay healthy and the cases remain relatively mild for now and I'll do everything in my power to stay that way. But for me, yeah, Disney won't be there if I cancel, nor will any other vacation be there for me if I cancel

(Getting ill will actually be the easier decision, if I get swine flu at least I can use the 2 weeks to rest!)

 

[BellesFavoriteBook]

I have seen the travel size lysol spray and wipes at walmart near the registers

BTW we will be there the same time as you

Thanks. I'll make sure that I make a trip to a Walmart May 8th when I make my final pre trip Target trip. I hope the lysol spray bottle is 3 oz or less.....or I may have to pack it in my checked bag.

 

[ellenmiele]

That's why I found it important to share what the doctor said today. Because it was different and unusual, and sounded potentially serious. Again, the doctor said that he is recommending that everyone, chronically ill or incredibly healthy, avoid Disney for the next month or so until this thing blows through.

Again, I am certainly not trying to tell anyone how to live their lives. I just don't want this information discounted because my father happens to have a couple of chronic conditions, which I've read more than once on this thread.

Let me preface this by saying that I am a doctor, too.

In situations like this, it is the responsibility of physicians to obtain accurate information from their local health departments and agencies such as the CDC. And then, within the context of that information, we may sometimes make more specific recommendations to individual patients based on their prior history, underlying illnesses, etc. Unfortunately, we all at times may either intentionally or unintentionally volunteer our own opinions which is what it sounds like was being done in this case. Perhaps it is a good idea for your father to take extra precautions at this time but none of the agencies overseeing this situation are currently recommending such restrictions on recreational activities for "everyone who asks, healthy or not". And while being a physician may seem to add to his credibility, the statements you quoted do nothing but add to the spreading climate of "fear mongering". I don't mean flame you, I mean to flame him. While it may have seemed to you that he considered his response carefully, to me it seems the exact opposite.

 

[Familytradition]

First off - thanks to the OP for her info.

I have been reading news articles night and day since this story first broke. We are going to WDW in 2 weeks and while I am not saying that this virus is not dangerous/serious etc..... there is no way we are not making the trip.

The new outlets have stories to sell ....uh I mean tell ....so they will stretch this out as long as possible but people are forgetting one thing. Every year 250,000 - 500,000 people worldwide die from the flu or flu related complications. Check CNN if you don't believe me. The danger is that there is no vaccine for this particular strain .....but they say Tamiflu will work if caught early enough.

I'm from Canada and the flu is just something you deal with. Wash your hands, use a sanitizer some common sense....and no kissing strangers at the parks

Be safe and Be healthy !!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

When this think morphs into the flesh-eating ebola virus I am so cancelling my trip.
Honestly, I worry more about driving safely on the way to FL than I do contracting a dose of the swine flu while there.

 

[edillen1]

I work for a major metropolitan police department and we have not received any information on the swine flu. Typically we get info on any major events or disruptions that may occur. There is a lot of fear being spread in the media over unknowns. It is great for ratings. At this point the facts don't support the hype. Could it become a major problem? Sure but its not there yet.

The child that died in Tx had underlying health problems that surely contributed to the death.

I agree we should be prudent and wash our hands regularly. I do this all the time because of the clientel I deal with.

The reality is that you have a greater risk of catching many other bugs that can cause sickness than getting the swine flu right now.

Please don't panic. Don't let fear rule.

 

[Joshua_me]

I'm currently soaking in a bathtub full of Purell.

I have no intention of leaving.


But seriously, thanks to the OP for starting this thread. IMO, this is NO time to snipe at one another, no one really knows how bad this is going to get.

Use your own judgement and do what you feel is right for you and your family.

 

[maroo]

OK...

This, first of all, makes me very nervous to be posted here. I actually believe every word of that email and I think we should maybe tone it down some?

I can't explain it.

We are going to get flamed for it either way.


Here is what I know...and I have been reading all day and not posting at ALL on any thread...because I have been reading all day....

- This is OBVIOUSLY (to me) more serious than even the media is telling us. The WHO has NEVER put us at a level 5. EVER. They don't get ratings. They don't have anything to gain by doing it. We went through SARS and all of that and never went above a 3. It would be like the terror alert level being raised by 2 ... maybe, just maybe, we are not privy to the information that is causing it to go up?

This email makes a LOT of sense to me.

Because I keep hearing about all of these pockets of cases...5 here...25 there..."bunch of kids are sick"..."people are sick everywhere, but it must be something besides this horrible flu". The cases are FAR more than the "hyped up media" is even telling us.

Frankly, I am shocked the media has not made more of a big deal about it.

I have been reading up on the science behind the 1918 flu - this is just interesting to me - I am NOT SCARED. I am NOT panicking. I don't even HAVE hand sanitizer.

But your email makes a lot more sense. And makes me wish I had some Tamiflu.

I realize this is the internet and people can say anything that is false or even make up stuff. But that email really clarifies several things for me.

Thanks for posting it. And I hope you don't get flamed. And I don't care if I get flamed.

I did start this thread on Saturday MORNING before we even knew what we would be talking about today, that is for sure!

Sorry to go off...

 

[Familytradition]

First off - thanks to the OP for her info.

I have been reading news articles night and day since this story first broke. We are going to WDW in 2 weeks and while I am not saying that this virus is not dangerous/serious etc..... there is no way we are not making the trip.

The new outlets have stories to sell ....uh I mean tell ....so they will stretch this out as long as possible but people are forgetting one thing. Every year 250,000 - 500,000 people worldwide die from the flu or flu related complications. Check CNN if you don't believe me. The danger is that there is no vaccine for this particular strain .....but they say Tamiflu will work if caught early enough.

I'm from Canada and the flu is just something you deal with. Wash your hands, use a sanitizer some common sense....and no kissing strangers at the parks

Be safe and Be healthy !!