Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[maroo]

I just got this email and thought it was something you all would enjoy.

Subject: #1 Tip in avoiding swine flu

That being said, thank you all very much for your insight and opinions. I have been watching this thread for a few days now and am not planning on cancelling my trip, but am gathering ideas to best avoid getting sick at all while at the World. Here's what I've gathered for what you all have said:
1. Lysol everything in the room
2. Bring lots of Purell & anti bac wipes, there's low stock there
3. Purell after every ride and before and after meals and snacks
4. Consider cancelling Mousekeeping (with 4 kids I really don't want to. I can use all the help I can get!)

One question: One of my DD's is a finger sucker. No use getting her to stop, I've tried. How can I try and keep her from getting sick? Purell constantly? Is there something I can give the kids to boost their immune systems before we go? Is there something safe for babies? She's 1yo.

Great pic!

Glad you are getting something positive from this "hysterical" thread.

I would not think you have to cancel mousekeeping? Not sure why folks are saying that?

On DD's finger...is Purell safe for kids to suck on? That is something I might check on. It is 60% alcohol, but I am not sure if it is safe for kids that chew on their fingers. Maybe there is something that sort of tastes bad? Which might deter her for the trip? (Is that mean? ) Someone...pages back...named a type of wipe that was safe for kids...but I don't know how accurate that is? Are you still out there lurking? To fill us in?

 

[MontyMontyMOnty]

I hate the media hype!
I don't doubt the flu is around, and will take sensible precautions on our trip (may/early june, yay!).
However, our experience with media hype tends to keep me from getting too worked up. (We live in Hilton Head, and every year, as soon as there is a hurricane warning, this place is swarming with reporters. Last year, they asked us (me and my 2 pre-school aged kids) to move out of the way while they filmed the "ominous waves". Then we got back into the tide pool, and continued making a sand castle.
I didn't see that specific report, but the weather channel was full of dire warnings for the coast...
I have also seen them show up at high tide to show "flooding" that is at the same level that it is just about every day at high tide

So I am cautious about media hype in general!

 

[WaltD4Me]

CDC just updated the website.

NOW 141 cases confirmed in America.

Interesting. South Carolina showing 16 cases...aren't those the kids that went to Mexico for Spring Break, if the ones that went to WDW for the band thing were confirmed it would be like 32 cases in South Carolina. So is it for sure that the WDW kids don't have it or are tests not back?

I'm also wondering if any samples get priority testing. Like from Orlando/Orange County. Not that one place is any more important than another, but the chances to spread swine flu seem like they would be higher in some places, like Disney, New York city, ect...

 

[carissanboys]

Just some thoughts in my head...

If this isn't a big deal, then why is the CDC recommending that schools and daycares who have confirmed cases of H1N1 virus close down for at LEAST 14 days to stop the spread??

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm

Did anyone else hear on the news yesterday that there were four locations in the U.S. where stockpiles of Tamiflu were being sent and protected by the national guard? I've heard no one else really talk about it and wonder if I've imagined it?? I thought I heard the Secretary of Homeland Security mention the first wave of antivirals being sent out. So, if this is nothing to really be concerned with, why is all of this happening? They don't do this for the normal flu.

I'm definitely not panicking, but I also think there's more to this than we're being told. Maybe I'm paranoid.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Great pic!

Glad you are getting something positive from this "hysterical" thread.

I would not think you have to cancel mousekeeping? Not sure why folks are saying that?

On DD's finger...is Purell safe for kids to suck on? That is something I might check on. It is 60% alcohol, but I am not sure if it is safe for kids that chew on their fingers. Maybe there is something that sort of tastes bad? Which might deter her for the trip? (Is that mean? ) Someone...pages back...named a type of wipe that was safe for kids...but I don't know how accurate that is? Are you still out there lurking? To fill us in?

I just bought a box of Sani-Kids wipes. They are alcohol based and state all over the box that they are safe for kids. Alcohol dries pretty quick so I can't imagine it would hurt if you use the Sani-Kids wipes and she sucks her finger it would be harmful, especially using a product specifically made for kids.

 

[JLTraveling]

That is a huge part of my problem with the locals reporting this... they are very wrong and are either going to CAUSE a panic or give off a false sense of security.

It is absolutely NOT wrong information to state that the theme parks will close if the pandemic alert level goes to 6 and there is a confirmed case in Orange or Osceola County.

Here's the PDF link to the plan itself:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/rw_Bulletins/flpanfluv104final.pdf

The relevant portion is on page 15 of the document/page 20 of the PDF file, Table 9: Interventions By Pandemic Sub-Phase. I can't get the table to properly copy here, but it's right there in black and white on the pandemic plan.

The length of closing, according to the plan, is however long the pandemic lasts. Once we reach phase 6D, recovery, then the parks will reopen.

I don't believe that the plan was created by people without an understanding of the pandemic threat levels. The fact is that the pandemic threat level does not generally affect us, on a personal level, since the flu virus is already here. However, it does affect the reactions of authorities on the state and local levels, whose job it is to contain the spread to the extent possible. Therefore, with a level 6 pandemic, it falls to those authorities to institute measures that the public does not necessarily like, including social distancing measures.

I'm sorry if you feel that sharing legitimate information is inciting a panic. I think that if it was me, planning a long-awaited and expensive vacation in another state, I would want to be informed of the possibility that my trip may be involuntarily canceled. Maybe that just makes me a fear monger or something

Now, I'm not in ANY way saying that this is GOING to happen. All I am doing is giving the information that according to the official plan, confirmed by news media in the local area, it is a possibility.

 

[maroo]

Interesting. South Carolina showing 16 cases...aren't those the kids that went to Mexico for Spring Break, if the ones that went to WDW for the band thing were confirmed it would be like 32 cases in South Carolina. So is it for sure that the WDW kids don't have it or are tests not back?

I'm also wondering if any samples get priority testing. Like from Orlando/Orange County. Not that one place is any more important than another, but the chances to spread swine flu seem like they would be higher in some places, like Disney, New York city, ect...

I am wondering if they are putting Orlando's at the back? They sure are hesitant to say that there is a probable case there.

I wonder if they will "announce" that late on Friday evening or on Saturday when most the world is no longer watching the news.

Nineteen states now have CDC confirmed cases. It would be interesting to note how many of those are "community aquired" with no direct ties to Mexico.

 

[frkymcky]

Why are so many people freaking out about this? This is not a disease that once you have it you're doomed. It's a flu, yes a different flu but a flu and it is curable. The precautions we need to take, we should be taking every day regardless of the season. Wash hands, cover your mouth all the things we teach our kids when they are little. And if you have TRUE symptoms of the flu, fever, achiness, diarrhea or vomitting then see a doctor. As with any flu be a little more cautious with infants, elderly and those with compromised immune systems. I have a friend who is freaked out because she has sniffles and an itchy nose, I think she forgot it's allergy season, come on!

I respect everyone's thoughts and feelings I just think this has gotten way out of control. I am glad that we are made aware of the new strain but everyone needs to relax. I would like to see next flu season when people start getting sick by the hundreds what kind of mass media coverage there will be, NONE.

Just my thoughts, please remember I respect everyones opinions, I just feel awful for those who are in a panic now.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Just some thoughts in my head...

If this isn't a big deal, then why is the CDC recommending that schools and daycares who have confirmed cases of H1N1 virus close down for at LEAST 14 days to stop the spread??

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm

Did anyone else hear on the news yesterday that there were four locations in the U.S. where stockpiles of Tamiflu were being sent and protected by the national guard? I've heard no one else really talk about it and wonder if I've imagined it?? I thought I heard the Secretary of Homeland Security mention the first wave of antivirals being sent out. So, if this is nothing to really be concerned with, why is all of this happening? They don't do this for the normal flu.

I'm definitely not panicking, but I also think there's more to this than we're being told. Maybe I'm paranoid.

The CDC is focusing on stopping the spread, because as with any flu, they don't want it spread to everyone. And, since there is no natural immunity to this flu, the normal rates of infection are going to be much higher, thus they are looking to contain as much as they can.

The stockpiles of Tamiflu that are being guarded are from the national stockpile. The CDC created a set of standards that need to be met during times of a WHO pandemic alert and this is all part of those standards. In the event of a worst-case outbreak in the US, states are to have enough anti-viral medicine to treat 25% of their population. Obviously they want to guard those shipments so that people don't storm them in a panic.

Honestly I wouldn't read into all of this too much. These are all necessary steps to avoid the worst-case scenario, and I'm glad they are taking these steps.

 

[Melora]

If anyone is reading up on this, you would find that the experts are already saying this is not nearly as bad as the regular flu.

To quote just one site with info:

".....the current outbreak of the H1N1 virus, which emerged in San Diego and southern Mexico late last month, may not even do as much damage as the run-of-the-mill flu outbreaks that occur each winter without much fanfare.

An article in Thursday's Section A about the risks posed by swine flu said that in the United States annually "between 5% and 20% of the population becomes ill from the flu and 36,000 people die —a mortality rate of between 0.24% and 0.96%." The correct mortality rate for this current outbreak is between 0.06% and 0.24%.... Less than the norm."

And in another article they are finding that people who had the swine flu back in the 1950's are likely to have some immunity to this flu which is why we are seeing it more in younger folks than the older ones.

There is a tremendous amount information on this flu out there. If people would research or the media would stopping hyping it as the worst thing to come along in 100 years then there probably wouldn't be this low boiling panic that everyone is saying they aren't feeling but you can tell is there.

 

[irunnoft]

Did you know they're going to come out with "28 months Later"? Supposed to take place in Paris.

I love zombie movies

NO I DID NOT KNOW THAT!!! Now I'm all hyper!!! I love the zombie genre, too! That makes sense that it would take place in Paris since the last scene of 28 Weeks Later shows the infected emerging from a subway near the Eifel Tower.

Now back on topic:


"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!'

 

[maroo]

It is absolutely NOT wrong information to state that the theme parks will close if the pandemic alert level goes to 6 and there is a confirmed case in Orange or Osceola County.

Here's the PDF link to the plan itself:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/rw_Bulletins/flpanfluv104final.pdf

The relevant portion is on page 15 of the document/page 20 of the PDF file, Table 9: Interventions By Pandemic Sub-Phase. I can't get the table to properly copy here, but it's right there in black and white on the pandemic plan.

The length of closing, according to the plan, is however long the pandemic lasts. Once we reach phase 6D, recovery, then the parks will reopen.

I don't believe that the plan was created by people without an understanding of the pandemic threat levels. The fact is that the pandemic threat level does not generally affect us, on a personal level, since the flu virus is already here. However, it does affect the reactions of authorities on the state and local levels, whose job it is to contain the spread to the extent possible. Therefore, with a level 6 pandemic, it falls to those authorities to institute measures that the public does not necessarily like, including social distancing measures.

I'm sorry if you feel that sharing legitimate information is inciting a panic. I think that if it was me, planning a long-awaited and expensive vacation in another state, I would want to be informed of the possibility that my trip may be involuntarily canceled. Maybe that just makes me a fear monger or something

Now, I'm not in ANY way saying that this is GOING to happen. All I am doing is giving the information that according to the official plan, confirmed by news media in the local area, it is a possibility.

Whoa...

Let's be very careful here. We really will have the Disney fans in a panic.

It says that closing the parks is an "important component" (2 diamonds) and is not a "core component" (3 diamonds).

Also...what are the subphases? Are those described somewhere from a WHO standpoint?

We are not anywhere near this level to even talk about closing the parks. If it was really widespread...maybe...but I just don't even want to go there!

 

[carissanboys]

The CDC is focusing on stopping the spread, because as with any flu, they don't want it spread to everyone. And, since there is no natural immunity to this flu, the normal rates of infection are going to be much higher, thus they are looking to contain as much as they can.

The stockpiles of Tamiflu that are being guarded are from the national stockpile. The CDC created a set of standards that need to be met during times of a WHO pandemic alert and this is all part of those standards. In the event of a worst-case outbreak in the US, states are to have enough anti-viral medicine to treat 25% of their population. Obviously they want to guard those shipments so that people don't storm them in a panic.

Honestly I wouldn't read into all of this too much. These are all necessary steps to avoid the worst-case scenario, and I'm glad they are taking these steps.

Thank you Those are all things that I had thought about and suspected. Like I said - just thoughts in my head.

 

[SpectroMax]

Interesting. South Carolina showing 16 cases...aren't those the kids that went to Mexico for Spring Break, if the ones that went to WDW for the band thing were confirmed it would be like 32 cases in South Carolina. So is it for sure that the WDW kids don't have it or are tests not back?

I'm also wondering if any samples get priority testing. Like from Orlando/Orange County. Not that one place is any more important than another, but the chances to spread swine flu seem like they would be higher in some places, like Disney, New York city, ect...

I really have trouble following the CDC. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reportin 1 confirmed case in GA as of yesterday, but the CDC still doesn't show GA on their list.

The 17 kids from Greenville, SC have still NOT been identified as having Swine flu.

 

[Dina]

Here's my input:

We just got back from WDW almost 2 weeks ago. You can take all the hand sanitizer you want, but how are you going to feel crammed into a bus full of people? I don't think we got on a bus once that wasn't full - literally people on top of people.

And the buffets? I don't think so.....

Face it, WDW is full of people from all over. I never ever thought I would say, "I'm glad my Disney World vacation is over." But I'm saying it now.

I would not have enjoyed my time there worrying about this. If our trip was upcoming in the next week or so, I would be canceling or postponing for sure.

Kris

I'm glad your trip is over, so you don't have to worry about it-- you would be miserable. I'm not really worried, probably because I spend half my time in isolation rooms in the hospital--- I don't know, it's just not worrying me too much. I am hoping more people feel this way though, and maybe we'll have lower crowds at the end of May when we're there!

 

[maroo]

Whoa...

Let's be very careful here. We really will have the Disney fans in a panic.

It says that closing the parks is an "important component" (2 diamonds) and is not a "core component" (3 diamonds).

Also...what are the subphases? Are those described somewhere from a WHO standpoint?

We are not anywhere near this level to even talk about closing the parks. If it was really widespread...maybe...but I just don't even want to go there!

Looks like the subphases are a Florida Dept of Health designation. Florida has zero cases. So I don't think they are anywhere near Phase 6B, which may affect the parks.

 

[WaltD4Me]

There is an article in my paper today that one of our the Catholic elementary schools voluntarily closed because a parent called and told them she had been confirmed to have swine flu. I appreciate the school being cautious and closing the school yesterday and today, but the tone of the article makes it seem like the school just took her word for it. I'm in Ohio, there is one confirmed case being reported here and it is about 2 hours from me and this school. I'm not even hearing about any suspected cases near me, Cleveland suburbs, so I was surprised to read this in the paper today. It's a private school so they can do what they want and of course they want to keep everyone safe, but it just seemed odd to me. I wonder if they investigated the parent's claim at all. She lives the next city over from me, if she was confimed it would be all over the news.

 

[JLTraveling]

Whoa...

Let's be very careful here. We really will have the Disney fans in a panic.

It says that closing the parks is an "important component" (2 diamonds) and is not a "core component" (3 diamonds).

Also...what are the subphases? Are those described somewhere from a WHO standpoint?

We are not anywhere near this level to even talk about closing the parks. If it was really widespread...maybe...but I just don't even want to go there!

Right, it's an "important component" and not a "core component"...meaning that it's not *as* important as, say, hospitalizing very ill people. Nonetheless, from what we are being told around here, it is a measure that is already being predicted--IF and only IF the criteria are met.

The subphases are defined somewhere in that document, I'm not seeing it on a cursory glance, but I did read it. Basically, subphases 6B and 6C are "true pandemic." I would imagine that when/if WHO raises the pandemic level to 6, the subphases will be all over the news. But from what I understand, 6A just barely meets the criteria for level 6, ie spreading of cases through multiple regions. Levels 6B and 6C are more widespread than that--it has to do with how quickly/easily human to human transmissions are being made. Level 6D is recovery, when things are starting to ease up.

Now, to hopefully curb the panic: There has to be a Level 6B or 6C pandemic AND at least one confirmed case near the parks before they will close. SO FAR, there has been neither. And we're getting potentially good news from the scientists who don't think this is as serious as they first thought.

SO, there is NO reason to think, at this point, that the parks will close. Nonetheless, there remains a POSSIBILITY in the coming days or weeks. Watch and wait, but do not panic.

 

[Toad_Passenger]

I really have trouble following the CDC. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reportin 1 confirmed case in GA as of yesterday, but the CDC still doesn't show GA on their list.

The 17 kids from Greenville, SC have still NOT been identified as having Swine flu.

The one in Georgia was actually a person from Kentucky, they wouldn't have included them under Kentucky would they?

 

[2manyprincesses]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll look for sani wipes. Can you get them anywhere Target, WalMart?

Funny thing is, she hates Purell b/c it tastes gross! lol

That being said, I can just watch her closely for a few minutes after we use the wipes, etc. to make sure it's dry. Anyone have info on an immune booster or if something like this is overkill??