Swine flu

[Claire L]

I know there was an emergency meeting this morning at work as we cover Gatwick airport and alot of charter airlines fly from there to Mexico.

But as always I expect the media are blowing this up out of proportion.

Claire

 

[orangetiggs]

from FCO website

The overall level of the advice has not changed.

The relevant summary points now read:

"Visitors to Mexico should be aware of an outbreak of influenza. The Federal Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert on 22 April after learning that a number of people had died from what appears to be a new form of influenza.

Cases have been reported in Mexico City, together with the states of Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, Mexicali and Baja California. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.

The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure."

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I am really panicked. Just seen a load of people on GMTV turn up for their Mexico flights today, only to be told they have been cancelled. That wouldn't happen with North America would it? We leave in 4 days!!! I know I need to calm down - BUT I CANT!!

 

[orangetiggs]

the government has not stopped any one travelling yet, see my post before from fco.

I wouldnt panic as all the cases in the states have not needed a hospital

 

[scottish mum]

I am really panicked. Just seen a load of people on GMTV turn up for their Mexico flights today, only to be told they have been cancelled. That wouldn't happen with North America would it? We leave in 4 days!!! I know I need to calm down - BUT I CANT!!

i hadn't seen that. I think North America should be ok. They haven't had any deaths relating to it, that i've heard of anyway.

I think just now nobody knows whats going to happen, I think if any border controls and travel restrictions(other than mexico) are going to be implemented it will be in a few weeks/months not immediate.

Maybe you won't be able to get home now that would be good.

Is it you that is going on a cruise too? maybe you won't be docking in mexico

 

[pauldents]

The best way to avoid this flu is to turn off your TV.

My bird flu was cured this way.

 

[Laurafoster]

We travel Saturday and will be going unless the government says otherwise. I imagine the Mexico stop on our cruise will not happen though.

It is a worry but what can you do?

Not sure what cruise you are going on but we are going on the Disney Magic on the 2nd May which stops in Mexico and at the moment it is still going. The stop is in Cozumel which is an island at the other end of the country and so far there are no reported outbreaks. DCL said that they would monitor the situation and reroute if required.


I do think the media are massively over hyping this and deliberately trying to scare people. As other people have said the deaths appear to be in less developed areas where people have not got the imunity to fight of even a normal case of the flu. People in the US have recovered without the trip to hospital.

Im going to Gatwick on Thursday and Fly out on Friday and unless my flights are cancelled then im definately going. If its going to be a worldwide epidemic as the media keep saying then it will get over here too.

 

[poppie123]

The Foreign Office website is now advising against all but essential travel to Mexico.
I feel for all those people who have turned up at the airport to today only to find their flight cancelled.

 

[pauldents]

I am really panicked. Just seen a load of people on GMTV turn up for their Mexico flights today, only to be told they have been cancelled. That wouldn't happen with North America would it? We leave in 4 days!!! I know I need to calm down - BUT I CANT!!

I wouldn't worry. GMTV are great at scaremongering.

Yes, unfortunately there have been deaths, but how many people in Mexico would have died as a result of the flu anyway?

We have to remember parts of Mexico are third world. Generally they don't have the high standards of medical care that we and the US have, which would explain why no one has died outside of Mexico.

One thing that does concern me is the fact that our wonderful government have advised us not to travel to Mexico unless it's absolutely essential. Does that mean they will advising the same to anyone visiting the UK?

 

[Snowy-girls]

One thing that does concern me is the fact that our wonderful government have advised us not to travel to Mexico unless it's absolutely essential. Does that mean they will advising the same to anyone visiting the UK?

Exactly,i don't think so some how .x.

 

[jopaly]

I am really panicked. Just seen a load of people on GMTV turn up for their Mexico flights today, only to be told they have been cancelled. That wouldn't happen with North America would it? We leave in 4 days!!! I know I need to calm down - BUT I CANT!!

I'm sure you'll be OK....try not to worry, the info. currently being given out by the W.H.O advises that no borders should be closed or travel restrictions imposed.

 

[alisonbestford]

The best way to avoid this flu is to turn off your TV.

My bird flu was cured this way.

 

[orangetiggs]

anyone travelling to mexico with most tour operators up and until 5th may are being cancelled with a full refund or option to go somewhere else if available

This is on most of the tour operators websites

 

[Jonjo]

I've just had a email from some German friends who were due to fly to Florida for a WDW holiday on Friday. Their charter flight has been canceld by their tour operator. Apparently their German holiday tour company has canceld all their flights to the US.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I had calmed down until I read that! Just called VA and they see still planning on flying... My heart is in my boots again!

 

[Shooby doo]

The only way (without tempting fate) that the UK would stop flights into the US,especially Orlando,was if there were more confirmed cases & people started dying from it.The latest from the Govt. Medical advisor is that they expect the outbreak to die down due to coming into summer then possibly pick up again in the autumn when the seasonal flu bug normally starts. The holiday companies are probably panicing more than the travellers,they are already struggling without having to cancel & start giving money back!
SD

 

[wdwpins]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu/index.html

 

[jopaly]

I had calmed down until I read that! Just called VA and they see still planning on flying... My heart is in my boots again!

It's ok...Stay calm....Take a deep breath....Think of Tonga Toast....and Relax.

According to the news, 'reported' cases in Mexico have been on the decline since Saturday.

Hopefully, all will be well. Just stay focussed on the FOOD!

 

[gemmybear83]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu/index.html

Scaremongering!!!

 

[Goofyish]

Just heard that it is still safe to visit the Mexican Pavillion in Epcot