Talk me down off the (germy) ledge!

[Ceryssa]

How exciting! And I can totally relate, I'm paranoid something is going to happen to derail our trip--like getting sick! We're going in November and I'll be diffusing Thieves essential oil all the time once fall starts I second the suggestion about making sure they get enough rest--that always seems to be the key for us! Try not to stress too much, and have a great trip!

 

[FutureDis]

Just remember 2 main things... wash hands often, and don't touch your face (eyes, nose, mouth). Those 2 things will keep most nasties away.

 

[ariane37]

I totally do not think it's crazy to worry about getting sick before a trip, or worry about getting sick while in Disney. I always just crossed my fingers the week before we left, and if I even thought someone might have a sinus/ear infection or strep, we'd see the Dr. for antibiotics. Once we got down there I'd wipe down with Clorox once and then it was just wash hands and use sanitizer and forget about sickness.

Until our trip in Feb. lol! We were all healthy prior to going down on Sat. and everyone was good when we went to sleep Thurs. night. About 2 hours later, DS12 started throwing up 20 minutes later it was DS8. They rotated for 3 hours, then stopped. Next morning they were both weak for a few hours and then miraculously felt better. Sunday it was DH.............anyway, my kids are old enough that they don't lick things or touch every little thing and the DO wash their hands, and they do take vitamins, so unfortunately regardless of what you do..........sickness at Disney can happen! Best of luck to all of us with trips planned

 

[999DoomBuggies]

take probiotics, multivitamin, and some echinacea everyday. Eat clean and go get a flu shot now. Plenty of places have the vaccine.

 

[lroger01]

In my experience so much of sickness is brought on by our own actions - what I say has the power to effect my life (it's biblical!) .

I suggest you talk and think positively about your trip. Don't mention sickness anymore to anyone. Instead just talk about and picture in your mind the great time you've all going to have. You can continue giving the vitamins, and washing hands and all, because that's just good common sense.

When you pack for the trip. go ahead and take medications with you just in case - its like rain gear, if you have it you won't need it.

Keep in mind that no one got sick this week, or the week before. And, there is no reason why they will be sick next week or the week after.

 

[cattywampus]

We are going in November too. I have two "z-paks" (antibiotics) stashed away to bring with us. The three adults have taken it fairly frequently (so we don't have to worry about reactions). Obviously will only use it if someone ends up sick.

Always seems like the 6yo brings it home, gets over it in a day, and leaves the adults fighting it a lot longer!! If child ends up sick, I would use the mobile doctor that comes to the hotel.

I like the idea of telling my boss I'm working from home, if anyone comes in sick!!

 

[mousefan73]

I am not paranoid but was thinking earlier to maybe get the family on some immune boosters until our trip end of Aug. I myself got whooping cough beginning of June, my mom caught it, kids ok as they had the shots ( fyi adults get your booster for this. It's no fun. Besides a cough like one I have never seen, i bruised my ribs and have peed too many a pants from heavy coughs )

Anyways. I will be doing something for the family before we leave. Last year I also got a sinus infection of a lifetime, end. our trip

Seems like once i hit 40 my immune was shot.

 

[anniemae]

I think it's smart to take precautions too. Take vitamins, wash hands both at home and once you are there. Have sanitizer with you. I also bring some hand wipes to wipe down the trays on the plane. As for keeping your kids somewhat isolated until you leave? I don't know if I would go that far, I would avoid any type of Chuck-e-cheese type place though! A couple weeks before we go on any vacation, I usually get a little more vigilant too about germs, just making sure we get good sleep, taking vitamins, and yes I guess we do avoid "germy" places!

I have heard good things about probiotics and bought some for my kids, I think it is Culturelle for Kids brand.

 

[Mommymarie]

in my experience so much of sickness is brought on by our own actions - what i say has the power to effect my life (it's biblical!) .

I suggest you talk and think positively about your trip. Don't mention sickness anymore to anyone. Instead just talk about and picture in your mind the great time you've all going to have. You can continue giving the vitamins, and washing hands and all, because that's just good common sense.

When you pack for the trip. Go ahead and take medications with you just in case - its like rain gear, if you have it you won't need it.

keep in mind that no one got sick this week, or the week before. And, there is no reason why they will be sick next week or the week after.

agreed!

 

[GotLabradors]

Please realize that our bodies need bacteria to work. Being exposed to germs helps our bodies produce antibodies which help to protect us from infection. (This is why studies are starting to show that children who have pets have stronger immune system. The pets expose the kids to the germs.) Remember that antibiotics don't work on viral infections such as the flu and common colds. The best thing you can do is to wash your hands regularly. The overuse of antibacterial products is helping to fuel bacteria's resistance to commonly used antibiotics.

PSA is now over. I hope the OP has a fantastic trip.

 

[GillianP1301]

I get this same anxiety a couple weeks before we leave, so I understand. I don't change our activities though. I just try to do what you're already doing, eat well, take vitamins, lots of hand washing and lots of hoping for the best. I will also add getting plenty of sleep. I try not to have any big outings/late nights the week leading up to the trip. WDW is tiring enough without starting off behind on sleep.

 

[GotLabradors]

So unnecessary.

Its absolutely not crazy to be concerned about getting sick right before an expensive and highly-anticipated trip or other event.

OP specifically asked to be called crazy. Just sayin'.

We leave in 5 days!

I am so excited, yet petrified about germs. My daughter went to a small birthday party yesterday and that may be her last outing until we leave on Friday. My son usually goes to recreation camp for three hours a day and I'm debating whether or not to send him this week. Please tell me I'm crazy! We've been washing our hands constantly and taking our vitamins, and I'm just SO praying no one gets sick. Any words of wisdom? Any way to talk me down? Thank you!

 

[RysMomma]

I know I'm crazy. I'm an anxious person. But hearing what all of you have to say really did help me out. Thank you all so very much!

 

[ZehnJahren]

I want to also put in my vote for probiotics. I have taken them for the two weeks leading up to my trip and on my trip for the last few trips and have come back perfectly healthy each time. Before, I always ended up with a cold or something else unpleasant.

I always take vitamins so there's no deviation from that, but the probiotics really seem to help me. They have children's probiotics as well - my gastroenterologist recommended Florastor to me. I've taken others but Florastor seems to be the best for keeping my stomach steady and keeping me healthy. I used to get colds and the flu quite often but when taking probiotics I rarely get sick.

 

[Eastern]

This brings back memories. When my kids were younger (under 10) I would not let them do anything germy the week before a vacation. So no group gatherings, no public 'playspaces', etc. Worked for me.

(they did go to school) Also my kids know not to touch their face, wash hands, avoid railings, etc.