Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[ShannonMB]

I have absolutely NO medical authority or expertise on this, but I read an article recently that said basically the same thing. According to the theory as I understand it, viruses live to replicate. That's their entire purpose. Therefore, they have to be able to be transmitted from host to host. If the virus is TOO strong/deadly, it will kill its host before being passed on. So natural selection favors somewhat weaker strains of the virus...strong enough to make the host very ill, but weak enough that the person (or animal) can still move around and interact with others, thereby transmitting the virus and allowing the cycle to continue.

This seems to jive with what we've seen. For example, kids vacationing in Mexico on spring break didn't hang out at the hospital with the very ill. They went to nightclubs, beaches, movie theaters...thereby being exposed to the "walking ill". That's the strain they caught, and possibly why their illness was relatively mild.

Again, I have NO medical authority. It's just what I read, and it makes logical sense. Whether the virus will mutate again into something more serious, I don't know that anyone can answer right now.

Yes,this is what i have read as well, and while I'm no authority on the subject, it makes perfect sense to me! By the way, very eloquent, easy-to-understand explanation!

 

[maroo]

Maroo, I can't answr your questions. I could try to guess but that's what everyone on here is doing irresponsibly. You can't convince everyone. It will just have to play out and we will just have to use our best judgment on how to handle things. All of the naysayers will walk around infecting us all saying it's just the "flu". This scares me more than anything! If the DIS is the judge you can basically say 1 out of every 2 households is going to go on about their business and not take this seriously.

I am in a town that is shut down. This may be your situation in the near future. I am just trying to help. I am staying in completely today. I am not going out to see anyone/do anything at all. I also ordered the supplements mentioned in his email. One thing I want to note is that you should research these supplements before you take them. I found: "When taking N-acetyl cysteine it is recommended that two to three times as much vitamin C be taken at the same time. Those who supplement with NAC should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily in order to prevent cysteine renal stones. Cysteine renal stones are rare but do occur."

Just want to help. Knowledge is power. Good luck to everyone!

I guess it will be more real to folks when it hits closer to home.

Thank you for your information! And please keep it coming! I, for one, am very interested in what the people actually living with it are experiencing.

Did you answer the thread about whether you guys will be going to Disney World now that you are out of school? Your answer to that question may enlighten some folks.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Maroo, I can't answr your questions. I could try to guess but that's what everyone on here is doing irresponsibly. You can't convince everyone. It will just have to play out and we will just have to use our best judgment on how to handle things. All of the naysayers will walk around infecting us all saying it's just the "flu". This scares me more than anything! If the DIS is the judge you can basically say 1 out of every 2 households is going to go on about their business and not take this seriously.

I guess that is what people have a hard time wrapping their minds around, though. What exactly are people scared of? Certainly the virus could mutate into something stronger, but the strains that are in the schools right now are very mild so it is being treated as the regular "flu."

That being said if you are in an area with an outbreak you are probably taking the proper precautions because who wants to spread the "flu" even if it is mild? But I still don't see any reason to panic especially since health officials in Mexico are claiming they are seeing a plateau in "new" cases because of the efforts being made to curtail the spread.

I have faith in my American neighbors and government officials that whatever Mexico is doing correctly, we're doing x100 and that we will be okay. I agree with the WHO raising the level, however, because the Doctor who spoke for the WHO yesterday is correct in saying that if this reaches the 3rd world countries it will be devastating.

 

[dawgsgirl]

I am totally amazed that people are counting on the government to give them the best advice about their health. By the time a flu case is confirmed, about a week has passed. The numbers we are being given are meaningless, since they are so old. The Orange County, FL health director was quoted in the Orlando paper. He said to act as if the flu was in the area and it could be assumed that it was. Results that were to be announced yesterday were put off until today, after they had a meeting. While I agree there is no need to panic about this, much is still unknown and some concern should be shown. Do you really think that Central Florida is going to advertise they have a confirmed case of swine flu? It all comes down to money!

 

[lunapnp]

As much as I like our VP, I think that was very irresponsible of him, in light of the fact that the President himself told everyone last night on National TV that while we need to be cautions, we should not be alarmed. Mr. Biden should've chosen his words more carefully.

Not to turn this into a political debate...but Mr. Biden has been known numerous times to speak before he thinks!

Also, I am more concerned with contracting TB than I am swine flu. Just because there is not a vaccine for the swine flu will not make it any more harmful...maybe more prevalent. How many times...every year during flu season do we hear that "this year's current vaccine may not cover all strands of influenza?"

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Not to turn this into a political debate...but Mr. Biden has been known numerous times to speak before he thinks!

That certainly is true. In the first 100 days I think he forgets that his name was underneath Obama's on the ticket. But I digress.

 

[letthewookiewin]

I teach in Alabama. It seems that some cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Huntsville, and as as result, our school system is preparing to cancel school for 7-10 days, which will be made up the week we have reservations at WDW. I am so bummed!! I have been looking forward to this trip all spring.

I'm sorry to hear that. A school district close to us has closed down until May 11. I heard on the radio this morning that they may not have to make those days up. Which I totally don't understand how that's possible b/c today they certain grades should be taking another part of the state testing (TAKS).

 

[sonnyday]

A group of South Carolina high school students who went on a band trip to Disney World last week has returned home somewhat under the weather, and now their school has been shut down as a precaution against swine flu.

Though officials are still waiting for results of tests, Mauldin High in Mauldin, S.C., near Greenville, will be closed today so it can be cleaned and disinfected, authorities said.

 

[paxsarah]

So absolutely no possibility that the doctor who treats emergency cases from Disney actually knows what's going on at Disney, then? He and I are just crazy fear mongers? Love the self-proclaimed experts here

I'm sure he's one of probably thousands of doctors in the area, and if we asked each of them, we'd probably get a thousand different recommendations. I appreciate the spirit of helpfulness that led you to post the information from your doctor, but while I'm sure his is an informed opinion, it doesn't mean his is the only one.

 

[JLTraveling]

I guess that is what people have a hard time wrapping their minds around, though. What exactly are people scared of? Certainly the virus could mutate into something stronger, but the strains that are in the schools right now are very mild so it is being treated as the regular "flu."

That being said if you are in an area with an outbreak you are probably taking the proper precautions because who wants to spread the "flu" even if it is mild? But I still don't see any reason to panic especially since health officials in Mexico are claiming they are seeing a plateau in "new" cases because of the efforts being made to curtail the spread.

I have faith in my American neighbors and government officials that whatever Mexico is doing correctly, we're doing x100 and that we will be okay. I agree with the WHO raising the level, however, because the Doctor who spoke for the WHO yesterday is correct in saying that if this reaches the 3rd world countries it will be devastating.

The first two paragraphs of your response seem contradictory, and may well be at the heart of the fierce debating here. "If A, then B" is a basic scientific principle that is well illustrated in your second paragraph. "There is a plateau in new cases in Mexico BECAUSE (emphasis mine) of the efforts..."

But your first paragraph seems to discount that principle. "What are people so scared of?" It can't happen both ways. We can't discount the threat as mild and nothing to be afraid of, yet simultaneously point to Mexico's containment measures.

I'm not trying to pick on you at all. I just think that it's going to be incredibly difficult to employ containment measures in the US (barring martial law), if the overall attitude of the citizens is "Who cares? It's just the flu." And the longer the virus goes uncontained, the greater the risk (not saying it WILL happen, just discussing relative risk) of it mutating into something stronger.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I guess that is what people have a hard time wrapping their minds around, though. What exactly are people scared of? Certainly the virus could mutate into something stronger, but the strains that are in the schools right now are very mild so it is being treated as the regular "flu."

That being said if you are in an area with an outbreak you are probably taking the proper precautions because who wants to spread the "flu" even if it is mild? But I still don't see any reason to panic especially since health officials in Mexico are claiming they are seeing a plateau in "new" cases because of the efforts being made to curtail the spread.

I have faith in my American neighbors and government officials that whatever Mexico is doing correctly, we're doing x100 and that we will be okay. I agree with the WHO raising the level, however, because the Doctor who spoke for the WHO yesterday is correct in saying that if this reaches the 3rd world countries it will be devastating.

I have not heard any medical authority refer to this flu as "mild". On the contrary,this is precisely why they are trying to be very serious about this, so that you move your thinking from "it's just the flu" to someone who takes it seriously. The WHO raising their alert to Level 5 is not a farce, not a conspiracy. Please, if you feel ill with even what you determine is just the "flu" don't infect others that could possibly be immune compromised or who it may affect worse than yourself. We can stop this if we take it seriously, but do not panic.

 

[ms mouse]

I dont understand the anger at the OP, she didnt cause this problem, she is just giving information. If we attack everyone who gives information we dont like, no one will post. She didnt say you shouldnt go, she gave the reason why she isnt going. I dont know what people should do, there is no right or wrong answer, just a choice. But in order for people to make informed decisions they should know BOTH SIDES of the issue. I think this is a case of shooting the messenger.

 

[TheDWord]

here is a question for the CDC experts.

For tamiflu to be effective, it must be taken in the first 48 hours.

Let's say that a family is leaving today for a two week visit to walt disney world. They are traveling from another state.

Now, let's say that this family gets flu-like symptoms while at walt disney world.

Which scenario would you prefer, in terms of spreading the flu.

1. The family came to wdw with a prescription for tamiflu from their physician. After a week at walt disney world they family gets flu-like symptoms, they go back to their hotel room and they call walgreens and have the prescription filled and a family member picks it up for them and brings it to their hotel room, where the family stays for the next few days. Remember that there is nothing dangerous about them taking tamiflu - it isn't going to hurt them to take it if they have picked up a stomach bug and do not have the flu. And because it has to be taken in the first 48 hours, it isn't like they are going to wait for test returns to confirm it is the swine flu before taking tamiflu anyway.

2. The family doesn't have a script. After a few days at wdw, the family has flu-like symptoms, but they figure that they aren't going to let anything come in the way of their vist to wdw. They make sure to use disinfect wipes, even though the flu is airborne and they are coughing and sneezing around people in line. Those people in line are breathing in the virus even though they take great care to wash their hands. At the end of the day, the family feels so bad that they need they want to see a physician. They go talk to the bellman and the desk people at the hotel, asking how to get to a doc in the box, spreading the virus. They get into a cab, spreading the virus. They find their way to an emergency room in Florida, and spread the virus. After 4 hours in the emergency room, they get a prescription for tamiflu. They call a cab, and spread the virus on the way to walgreen's to get the prescription filled, where they spread the virus. They have to wait 25 minutes at walgreens for the prescription to be filled, so they take another cab, spreading the virus, back to their resort hotel room.

Now, which of those scenarios would be better for public health? Seriously.

Why would the same family that has flu-like symptoms, in one scenario stay in their hotel room and in another go to the parks? What circumstance is different other than having a script for tamiflu? Why would have not having a script make a family with flu-like symptoms go to the parks when they would otherwise stay in their hotel room? I don;'t understand the question...

 

[ryley26]

I merged these threads there is about four going right now. Thanks Rich

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Not to turn this into a political debate...but Mr. Biden has been known numerous times to speak before he thinks!

Also, I am more concerned with contracting TB than I am swine flu. Just because there is not a vaccine for the swine flu will not make it any more harmful...maybe more prevalent. How many times...every year during flu season do we hear that "this year's current vaccine may not cover all strands of influenza?"

Just to add to VP Biden opening his mouth this morning. I just read where the White House is saying they will issue a "clarifying" statement later today. I'm sure they weren't happy that he said what he did.

 

[ttbell]

Read my previous link from WHO. And thanks for telling me who I can disagree with.

The information being put out there by news outlets (such as your article from Yahoo) does not appear to correspond with what the World Health Organization is posting because the WHO is looking at confirmed deaths while others are putting out suspected numbers. It makes it confusing for us all. Hopefully things will start to look up soon so that we can all go on our vacations worry-free! All the best.

 

[JLTraveling]

I'm sure he's one of probably thousands of doctors in the area, and if we asked each of them, we'd probably get a thousand different recommendations. I appreciate the spirit of helpfulness that led you to post the information from your doctor, but while I'm sure his is an informed opinion, it doesn't mean his is the only one.

I totally agree. As I have been saying for darn near 24 hours now, I am only attempting to contribute one additional piece of information to the overall body of knowledge. I happen to think that taking the advice of a respected Disney-affiliated doctor INTO CONSIDERATION along with other information from other respected sources may be valuable to some who are planning trips to WDW. If it is not helpful to someone, he or she is free to move on. I don't get all the hate. Not from you, specifically, but from posters in general.

I dont understand the anger at the OP, she didnt cause this problem, she is just giving information. If we attack everyone who gives information we dont like, no one will post. She didnt say you shouldnt go, she gave the reason why she isnt going. I dont know what people should do, there is no right or wrong answer, just a choice. But in order for people to make informed decisions they should know BOTH SIDES of the issue. I think this is a case of shooting the messenger.

Thank you, ms mouse. I appreciate your understanding of what I was trying to do with this thread.

 

[maroo]

Oh my...

the thread exploded.

thanks for merging them!

 

[d-r]

Why would the same family that has flu-like symptoms, in one scenario stay in their hotel room and in another go to the parks? What circumstance is different other than having a script for tamiflu? Why would have not having a script make a family with flu-like symptoms go to the parks when they would otherwise stay in their hotel room? I don;'t understand the question...

sorry, I didn't mean that difference to be there and certainly isn't the point. Say they both go the park, get sick, and leave the park at the exact same time. Hold that constant.

One family calls in a script and someone picks it up.

One family takes a series of cab rides, waits in the emergency room, goes to the pharmacy.

Both families end up in their hotel room, but one has a much shorter trip there. Which situation is better for public health?

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

I guess it will be more real to folks when it hits closer to home.

Thank you for your information! And please keep it coming! I, for one, am very interested in what the people actually living with it are experiencing.

Did you answer the thread about whether you guys will be going to Disney World now that you are out of school? Your answer to that question may enlighten some folks.

I did not see where anyone asked me if I was still going. As of now I am still hoping this will be contained and over with by June. If I had a trip planned this week, I would probably go but I'd seriously consider wearing a mask-eventhough I'd feel pretty hot, restricted, and silly! If my trip were for mid May I'd probably cancel but that's just me-and what is going on here and what I think could spread pretty quickly throughout the country possibly. I don't know??? Our June trip might happen, it might not. I have been giving some thought to what components are refundable and which are not. I think the WDW Travel Co. portion (Room and Dining on a passholder PIN) is refundable up to 6 days prior to arrival less $100.00, between day 6-1 it is $200.00. I'd be willing to pay that if the health scare gets worse. And Southwest Airlines is really great about giving you credit that can be used at a later date. But I love Disney and I trust them to do what's safe for parkgoers. I'd be FAR FAR more concerned about my plane ride there in a sardine can in the sky full of possibly infected passengers. I seem to get the seat right in front of the hacking person!
But I am a tried and true Disney fan, proud to say it's gonna have to be pretty darn bad to keep me away from WDW!!!