Swine Flu - what does that mean for Disney?

[AmandaChan]

I know that a vacation should be the last thing on my mind right now but we are going to Florida in less than 3 weeks and the current Swine flu has me scared. Will Disney respond to the outbreak and shut down its parks? I am a nurse and I already anticipate wearing masks on the plane, maybe even around the park if it's deemed necessary. Should we even be considering our trip or should we cancel? What is being recommended by Disney? What is everyone else doing?

[doodleboy]

If the swine flu numbers keep going up, would you cancel your trip to the World? I hope that things get under control soon, but what if the numbers keep growing? A place like WDW is a perfect place for the virus to spread to vacationers and be brought back to home states. Would WDW close their gates in an epidemic? Am I out of line for bringing this topic to Intercot?

[Strmchsr]

The first key is not to panic. As one involved in disaster response, I have been involved in discussion of pandemics for several years. I don't see this as reaching that level. At least not yet. Remember, the media makes a MUCH bigger deal out of things than is necessary. Inflammatory headlines and fear boosts their ratings. We have a (relatively) small number of folks that are sick in a couple of states and Mexico. This might be an epidemic for Mexico, but they are taking the right steps and I don't see this (yet) as a reason to cancel a vacation.

[Cinderella's mom]

I do not think that will keep us from going in November at this point! My dad is a coronor and at least here, they are not worried about it that much in the states!

[shev]

Not even giving it a second thought.

[ryobi88]

leaving this friday i`am just worried about the plane ride and the possible germs on the plane i`am not a germ freak but this does have me a little worried

[Ed]

Will Disney respond to the outbreak and shut down its parks?

In a word - NO. It would take something much more severe than this current problem to make them take such a drastic action.

What you MIGHT see is increased emphasis on measures that help minimize outbreaks of 'regular' flu or diseases such as the Norwalk virus. Specifically, you may find the restaurants handing out antibacterial hand wipes as you enter (as they've been doing on their ships for years), increased reminders to wash your hands with soap and hot water frequently, and perhaps some staff attention to guests who display symptoms possibly related to this particular virus. Housekeeping will also likely be taking more measures to help prevent outbreaks - - more thorough cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, etc.

You may also want to bring (or buy after arriving) a can or two of Lysol or similar antibacterial spray, and perhaps something along the lines of Clorox wipes to sanitize your hotel room. Don't forget to give particular attention to doorknobs, faucets, remote controls, and other such items that the previous guest likely handled.

I have been seeing a small number of passengers at the airport wearing face masks; exactly how effective that is, I don't know.

Beyond that, I wouldn't let this rather-limited problem spoil or cause you to cancel your trip.

[AmandaChan]

You may also want to bring (or buy after arriving) a can or two of Lysol or similar antibacterial spray, and perhaps something along the lines of Clorox wipes to sanitize your hotel room. Don't forget to give particular attention to doorknobs, faucets, remote controls, and other such items that the previous guest likely handled.

I have been seeing a small number of passengers at the airport wearing face masks; exactly how effective that is, I don't know.

Beyond that, I wouldn't let this rather-limited problem spoil or cause you to cancel your trip.

Getting Lysol or wipes sounds like a good idea. We have Clorox wipes. Would there be any reason we wouldn't be allowed to take some in our checked luggage?

I do plan on wearing masks on the plane just in case. It's a confined space and I'm sure flu droplets from a person 3 seats back could potentially travel far enough to reach us.

Even though I am a nurse and I know a thing or two about epidemics and pandemics (we had to take epidemiology) I still get really anxious about this sort of thing. I know that the CDC is very concerned but you would have to be towards any potential outbreak to keep it contained and to keep it from developing into a bigger issue than it could be. We will just be really careful and attentive to our bodies and any possible symptoms that might come up. Thanks for the info! This makes me feel better.

[merlinmagic4]

I just heard of this today. We just arrived back from Disney last night. I wish I had known! I would have been more diligent with the Purell, especially with my son who is immune suppressed and has a chronic lung condition. Yuck!

[Cinderelley]

I would still go. Just remember good hygiene is important all the time - not just when there's an outbreak.

[pink]

I'm certainly freaking out being that I live right where the flu spread in NY.

[Ed]

Getting Lysol or wipes sounds like a good idea. We have Clorox wipes. Would there be any reason we wouldn't be allowed to take some in our checked luggage?

You CAN take it in your checked luggage, but not in carry-on.

I failed to mention Purell or similar hand sanitizer, but I see that merlinmagic4 did; excellent suggestion.

[Ed]

There's already a discussion goin on re: this topic.

I'm going to merge this thread with the other one. Please remain seated until the thread makes a full and complete stop.

[Dulcee]

Just a note from a biology major who is taking a course at the moment studying flu evolution..


Anti-"bacterial" products won't do anything for a virus. They only kill bacteria and the flu virus is a virus.

The best thing you can do is remember to wash your hands often. Soap is a far better tactic then antibacterial products in removing viruses. Also keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible if you think you've been around someone displaying flu symptoms.

Also the flu virus is usually spread by airborne viruses, they aren't positive how the swine virus is being spread from person to person yet but its a good bet its airborne. So try to keep your distance from anyone who is coughing/sneezing.

Furthermore, just to help avoid panic, the swing flu isn't nearly as aggressive as the avian flu. People who should be most concerned if they begin developing symtoms are older people, young children and anyone with an already compromised immune system.

Anyway, swine flu isn't found in mice, i'm sure Mickey will be just fine

[AmandaChan]

Just a note from a biology major who is taking a course at the moment studying flu evolution..


Anti-"bacterial" products won't do anything for a virus. They only kill bacteria and the flu virus is a virus.

The best thing you can do is remember to wash your hands often. Soap is a far better tactic then antibacterial products in removing viruses. Also keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible if you think you've been around someone displaying flu symptoms.

Also the flu virus is usually spread by airborne viruses, they aren't positive how the swine virus is being spread from person to person yet but its a good bet its airborne. So try to keep your distance from anyone who is coughing/sneezing.

Furthermore, just to help avoid panic, the swing flu isn't nearly as aggressive as the avian flu. People who should be most concerned if they begin developing symtoms are older people, young children and anyone with an already compromised immune system.

Anyway, swine flu isn't found in mice, i'm sure Mickey will be just fine

Clorox wipes also kill influenza viruses.

Thanks for the information!

[sainter]

Just a note from a biology major who is taking a course at the moment studying flu evolution..


Anti-"bacterial" products won't do anything for a virus. They only kill bacteria and the flu virus is a virus.

The best thing you can do is remember to wash your hands often. Soap is a far better tactic then antibacterial products in removing viruses. Also keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible if you think you've been around someone displaying flu symptoms.

Also the flu virus is usually spread by airborne viruses, they aren't positive how the swine virus is being spread from person to person yet but its a good bet its airborne. So try to keep your distance from anyone who is coughing/sneezing.

Furthermore, just to help avoid panic, the swing flu isn't nearly as aggressive as the avian flu. People who should be most concerned if they begin developing symtoms are older people, young children and anyone with an already compromised immune system.

Anyway, swine flu isn't found in mice, i'm sure Mickey will be just fine

I know that in the past ,flu epidemics have taken a larger toll on the very young, the very old and those previously compromised, but I read today that a majority of the victims this time around have been 25 -45 years old. While panic is not a reasonable response right now, I do think we need to be vigilant and to watch what is going on and what precautions are recommended...

You are right about the antibacterial issue - unless you have a product that is also anti viral, it won't help. Thanks for pointing that out.

[TheVBs]

I don't think there's any reason to cancel a trip to WDW.

[Ed]

Clorox wipes also kill influenza viruses.

So does Lysol spray, according to the label. I'm looking at a can of it as I type this.

Good points, Dulcee!

[Dulcee]

Your quite right, this virus does seem more aggressive in otherwise healthy people then the current strains were use to dealing with. The fear with Avian flu is that it has been found to strike these age groups aggressively. While swine flu does appear to also be striking this middle age group it still isn't as aggressive. Obviously the fatalities in Mexico are concerning and while everyone should be watching their health these groups need to be extra vigilant.

Clorox wipes are a good idea. Bleach, for wiping down surfaces at home is also a highly effective way to take out any viruses that may get carried home from the workplace, school ect..

[playdead88]

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

heres a link with info - practice standard precautions and have a wonderful vacation!!