Swine Flu - General Discussion and how it affects Disney

[Disney Debbie]

I don't understand why people "don't understand" why peope are concerned about this. There's 90 something pages explaning why people are concerned! I do believe it's a milder flu in the U.S. - right now. But as someone who catches every single bug that come along since I had chemo 5 years ago - I don't want to get a flu that even though it's "mild" is still making people sick for 7 days. I don't want to get ANY flu. And I get a flu shot every year for the "normal" flu - that kills so many people a year - but the ones it usually gets are the very young, the very old and the immuno compromised. That's not the case with this.

But here's my prediction - this will end up being a pandemic but I think it will be very mild at this time because it's the end of flu season for the majority of the world's population. HOWEVER - it will have plenty of time to mutate and grow into a different strain by NEXT flu season. Hopefully they'll have a vaccine by then - but it will still be a flu in addition to the "normal" flu. As someone in the nursing home industry - we are taking it very seriously and stocking up on infection control supplies for our customers.

I don't advocate panic - but I'm really tired of the "you're a fear-mongering, OCD, sissy" if you are concerned about this flu!

 

[loveysbydesign]

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.

Where did you find the Sani-kids???

 

[Dina]

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??

OJ--- I give my kids Tropicana for Kids. I think it has some great vitamins for the immune system!!! That's about as far as I'll go though, I'm not big on homeopathic things.

 

[Disney Debbie]

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

No - they'd call them a Georgia case. Just like the child who died in Texas is being called a Texas case even though they were visiting from Mexico.

 

[JLTraveling]

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.

Okay, let's not minimize and create a false sense of security either. Currently Florida has zero CONFIRMED cases. The state is already proceeding as if one or more of the cases will be confirmed. The likelihood of this state, between the large Mexican population and the sheer volume of tourists, coming out of this with no cases is extremely low (according to the FL Dept of Health).

That's where some of the uncertainty comes from. Should the pandemic level be raised to 6, will the state go ahead with containment measures even if CDC test results are not yet back? Or will the state take a watch and wait attitude? Right now, it's tough to say. That's why I think it's so important for those with upcoming trips to keep a close eye on the situation, because things could change/develop rapidly as far as the state response.

 

[maroo]

I don't understand why people "don't understand" why peope are concerned about this. There's 90 something pages explaning why people are concerned! I do believe it's a milder flu in the U.S. - right now. But as someone who catches every single bug that come along since I had chemo 5 years ago - I don't want to get a flu that even though it's "mild" is still making people sick for 7 days. I don't want to get ANY flu. And I get a flu shot every year for the "normal" flu - that kills so many people a year - but the ones it usually gets are the very young, the very old and the immuno compromised. That's not the case with this.

But here's my prediction - this will end up being a pandemic but I think it will be very mild at this time because it's the end of flu season for the majority of the world's population. HOWEVER - it will have plenty of time to mutate and grow into a different strain by NEXT flu season. Hopefully they'll have a vaccine by then - but it will still be a flu in addition to the "normal" flu. As someone in the nursing home industry - we are taking it very seriously and stocking up on infection control supplies for our customers.

I don't advocate panic - but I'm really tired of the "you're a fear-mongering, OCD, sissy" if you are concerned about this flu!

I agree.

 

[WaltD4Me]

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??

Yes, I have seen the Sani-Kids wipes in the baby supplies aisle of Walgreen's and Target. I'm sure WalMart carries them too.

I haven't anything at all about immune boosters. Some people are saying Vitamin C, but I think that was just a "give it a try, can't hurt" type of thing. Nothing official.

 

[carissanboys]

I don't understand why people "don't understand" why peope are concerned about this. There's 90 something pages explaning why people are concerned! I do believe it's a milder flu in the U.S. - right now. But as someone who catches every single bug that come along since I had chemo 5 years ago - I don't want to get a flu that even though it's "mild" is still making people sick for 7 days. I don't want to get ANY flu. And I get a flu shot every year for the "normal" flu - that kills so many people a year - but the ones it usually gets are the very young, the very old and the immuno compromised. That's not the case with this.

But here's my prediction - this will end up being a pandemic but I think it will be very mild at this time because it's the end of flu season for the majority of the world's population. HOWEVER - it will have plenty of time to mutate and grow into a different strain by NEXT flu season. Hopefully they'll have a vaccine by then - but it will still be a flu in addition to the "normal" flu. As someone in the nursing home industry - we are taking it very seriously and stocking up on infection control supplies for our customers.

I don't advocate panic - but I'm really tired of the "you're a fear-mongering, OCD, sissy" if you are concerned about this flu!

 

[Toad_Passenger]

Well everyone, it's been great, but I think I'm going to shut-off for the weekend. Following all of this during the week has been great, but I'm in the mood to just get away from it all for a few days.

Our trip isn't for another 3 weeks, so a few days of missed news and discussion won't affect us yet.

On a side note they did just find another "suspect" case in my county, but nothing confirmed yet.

Everyone stay healthy and sane and try to enjoy your weekends!

 

[SpectroMax]

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

No the person was diagnosed in Georgia and had spent several days in GA before being diagnosed. It would only make sense to list them in GA.

Plus if you look at the Google map there are a lot of cases like that (the CDC is not reporting all cases only the ones that they confirm)

 

[loveysbydesign]

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??

We use Sea Buddies for immunity boosting for the kids...we also take Esberitox on an as needed basis. I buy them from luckyvitamin.com as they offer the cheapest prices I've found anywhere. They also carry other great stuff too at cheap prices, like Kiss my Face products.

 

[maroo]

Okay, let's not minimize and create a false sense of security either. Currently Florida has zero CONFIRMED cases. The state is already proceeding as if one or more of the cases will be confirmed. The likelihood of this state, between the large Mexican population and the sheer volume of tourists, coming out of this with no cases is extremely low (according to the FL Dept of Health).

That's where some of the uncertainty comes from. Should the pandemic level be raised to 6, will the state go ahead with containment measures even if CDC test results are not yet back? Or will the state take a watch and wait attitude? Right now, it's tough to say. That's why I think it's so important for those with upcoming trips to keep a close eye on the situation, because things could change/develop rapidly as far as the state response.

'


Look at page 26 of the same document...

It says they will "consider" closing the parks at a Pandemic Severity Index of 4 and "recommend" at a Pandemic Severity Index of 5. This is very important. If the Hong Kong Flu or seasonal flu is spreading, they will not even consider closing the parks. They will close schools, but not the parks. They only way they will "recommend" they close the parks is a PSI of 5 - which is the 1918 level. And we are no where near even discussing that!

The "Close the Parks" reference - See page 26

Wiki Pandemic Severity Level Index

 

[maroo]

Well everyone, it's been great, but I think I'm going to shut-off for the weekend. Following all of this during the week has been great, but I'm in the mood to just get away from it all for a few days.

Our trip isn't for another 3 weeks, so a few days of missed news and discussion won't affect us yet.

On a side note they did just find another "suspect" case in my county, but nothing confirmed yet.

Everyone stay healthy and sane and try to enjoy your weekends!

Have a good weekend! Thanks for all of your helpful info!!

 

[ms mouse]

Ok, I just wanted a few things clarified. I did ask these following questions earlier but it was round the time of the thread mergers, so I think it got lost.

We are flying over to WDW from the UK in 12 days time with 11 of my family including my BIL who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and my son who is only 16 weeks old (and my older son who is 4 and is very good at touching everything and then sucking his thumb!)

Could someone explain to me the procedure in place if you turn up at a health care provider with flu symptoms. The above quote is the closest I found going through here but it doesn't explain at what point you get the Tamiflu.

That is the crucial thing actually, do you have to wait till you get a confirmation from test results before you get the Tamiflu? If anyone of us gets any symptoms we want to make absolutely sure that we get the symptoms as minimal as possible to aid in the spread to my BIL and my baby.

Currently here in the UK, whoever has been in contact with a confirmed case has been given Tamiflu automatically regardless of any symptoms or not, including a whole school year. Would this happen in WDW?

If one of us went down with flu symptoms, would all of us get Tamiflu? It does have a prentative role you see.

One other thing, we are staying off site in our own villa. We don't have any knowledge of the US health system, so if need be, where do we go? Who do we ring? Will we have any difficulty not being a US national. I know someone did say they are used to internationals, but I was worried that would be in Disney and we are not staying in Disney.

Please no one flame me, yes, I admit it I am terrified by all of this. I wouldn't be if I wasn't flying for 9 hours and taking my 16 week old baby to a "cess pool of germs" as someone previously mentioned, in a nation that has a health service totaly alien to me.

One other thing, I am no more worried about the swine flu then I am normal flu. However, I am worrying about my baby catching it regardless of the type of flu it is. Yes, normal seasonal flu kills thousands every year, but we all know a baby my age would be in that statistic

I havent finished reading the thread so this may have already been answered. According to new information kits to test for swine flu are being sent to some states to test, if they work they will be sent out so there will be more testing places. Usually Tamaflu is given to the whole family if someone tests postitive for type A (this is a test that can be done quickly)There are clinics you can go into, or emergency rooms if you become ill.
They are usually very busy and a "hotbed" of illness. I will probably be flamed but with a baby that small I would not travel at this time, especially with no healthcare alternative. You could be stuck with no doctor and no way home (they wouldnt let you fly home). Again others may disagree but this is my opinion.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Where did you find the Sani-kids???

I got Sani-kids at Cost Cutters/Drug Fair, here in NJ they are going out business so they were 50% off, should have gotten more, but I got this pre-swine flu haha for my trip.

I am sure you could find them at most drug stores and grocery stores and targets, wal marts, k marts

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

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.

I know, I have read in local news papers here in NJ there are 5 confirmed cases and 2 still suspected cases here. But as of 11AM the cdc website did not have this info on their website.

 

[WeLoveLilo05]

Also wanted to ask do you think Flintstones vitamins will do any good with boosting immunity, my fiance had mentioned it, he said he would take them to coax DD to take them....thats what he did with me when I was pg haha.

I hated those and much preferred the prenatals.

 

[maroo]

I havent finished reading the thread so this may have already been answered. According to new information kits to test for swine flu are being sent to some states to test, if they work they will be sent out so there will be more testing places. Usually Tamaflu is given to the whole family if someone tests postitive for type A (this is a test that can be done quickly)There are clinics you can go into, or emergency rooms if you become ill.
They are usually very busy and a "hotbed" of illness. I will probably be flamed but with a baby that small I would not travel at this time, especially with no healthcare alternative. You could be stuck with no doctor and no way home (they wouldnt let you fly home). Again others may disagree but this is my opinion.

This is a good point. Especially since the poster is traveling internationally. Hopefully no one will flame you!

 

[dizfan]

(the CDC is not reporting all cases only the ones that they confirm)

Yesterday (or the day before), the CDC said their information will be behind. Earlier this week, there were only 3 labs that knew how to test for it. Many test results were taking days to be run. As more labs are trained, the tests are happening quicker, but it also means the CDC is having a harder time keeping up with all the numbers.

The CDC is putting more responsibility on the states to maintain their information and update the CDC periodically.

 

[jamstew]

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.

And I read exactly the opposite--that there's no immunity because it's a new strain. Opinions, even medical ones, are all over the map.