Swine Flu in Mexico, is it safe to go. (Merged Threads)

We are going to Mexico next week on the Sapphier, is it safe to go with this flu outbreak? We are not planning to get off the ship.

AuntMimi,

I am sure someone will have wise advice, but for me I would monitor this. Yesterday there was a small article that some cases of Swine Flu have been found in CA and TX. Then today this article hit.

We live in CA so I will admit I am concerned. Not going to panic, but will monitor what is going on closely.

We leave on Sunday on the Coral to do a Panama Canal cruise and we stop in 3 different Mexican ports. I was going to cancel our shore excursions and then realized that it would do no good because unless everyone on the cruise stayed on board there was no way to preventsomeone bringing the germs on board. I'm not going to worry about it - if it happens it happens. I will of course make sure I wash my hands often and use the antibacterial handwash. Also, if I eat in the Horizon Court, I'm going to use a napkin to hold onto the spoons to dish out my food. My husband and I spend most of our day out by the pool and we rarely go to the evening shows or casino where there are large crowds confined in small spaces.

jericho,

My parents will be on that cruise with you. You will have fun and you have the correct attitude. Right now this is just something we all need more information about.

We are going to Mexico next week on the Sapphier, is it safe to go with this flu outbreak? We are not planning to get off the ship.

Of course it's safe ! Why would you not get off the ship?

The chances of you getting anything is so slim it just not worrying about. The reported flu is on the TX ca border - a long way from where you'll be.

Of course it's safe ! Why would you not get off the ship?

The chances of you getting anything is so slim it just not worrying about. The reported flu is on the TX ca border - a long way from where you'll be.

You probably have not read the latest update, 60 people have died in Mexico from suspected Swine Flu. Mexico City has closed their schools to try and contain the outbreak. WHO is concerned. This is not the border thing talked about yesterday.

You probably have not read the latest update, 60 people have died in Mexico from suspected Swine Flu. Mexico City has closed their schools to try and contain the outbreak. WHO is concerned. This is not the border thing talked about yesterday.

But none of the places with the flu are at any port city!

Mexico City is in the middle of the country.

I'd go have fun, use anti-bacterial wipes and soap, wash my hands ofter, and watch who and what I touch -- the same as in any country, including the US.

Here's a Reuters report:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090424/ts_nm/us_flu_15

You can find a lot of useful information here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm

I'm not a doctor, but it seems to me that you shouldn't let the threat of this flu (or any other) prevent you from having a good time in Mexico. The recent cases are based in Mexico City (mainly), San Antonio and San Diego -- I haven't heard of anything in coastal Mexico yet.

Just be sure to wash your hands or use sanitizer a lot, especially after excessive contact with people and animals, and perhaps skip any excursions to local farms that raise pigs. Be aware of the symptoms and definitely see a doctor right away if you show signs of flu.

BTW, the flu is not transmitted through meat, so feel free to eat as much pork and bacon as you wish!!

I can't figure out why anyone would worry about a bunch of pigs getting the flu would ruin their cruise! :p

We were not getting off the ship to begin with, so we are not canceling anything. We now plan to wash our hands alot and use hand sanitizer all the time. What has me a little concerned is the photos I see coming out of Mexico of people wearing masks, does that mean that it is airborn?

1. Wash your hands.

2. Wash your hands often.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2

We were not getting off the ship to begin with, so we are not canceling anything. We now plan to wash our hands alot and use hand sanitizer all the time. What has me a little concerned is the photos I see coming out of Mexico of people wearing masks, does that mean that it is airborn?

Photos were taken in Mexico City. With all of the air pollution there, it might be best to wear those masks all of the time Swine Flu or not..

I can't figure out why anyone would worry about a bunch of pigs getting the flu would ruin their cruise! :p

SERIOUSLY! I mean, if they can't be bothered to wash their trotters after each wallow, why should *I* be penalized?????

*giggle*,

Theora

(who keeps hand sanitizer with her all the time, and works retail, but sadly cannot wash her hands with FIRE)

I live in San Diego and I'm going on a Mexican cruise tomorrow so I guess I'm screwed either way! :p

An epidimiologist was speaking on the radio today and said

we should ALL be very cautious. He said this swine flu is not to

be taken lightly. He gave good tips, i.e., stay away from large crowds.:eek:

Of course that is not possible on a cruise ship.

We were not getting off the ship to begin with, so we are not canceling anything. We now plan to wash our hands alot and use hand sanitizer all the time. What has me a little concerned is the photos I see coming out of Mexico of people wearing masks, does that mean that it is airborn?

There was a lengthy story on the news tonight. They said it is not airborne. It is passed by touching someone who is infected. Be sure to take antibacterial soap with you, which I do on every cruise anyway. Wash, wash, wash. They are not at this time telling people not to travel to Mexico, but they are carefully monitoring the border crossings of people coming into the U.S.

In other words, take the same precautions you should be taking for noro.

I can't figure out why anyone would worry about a bunch of pigs getting the flu would ruin their cruise! :p

Good one cruzendude. I'm still chuckling.

We leave in a few weeks for a week. I am scared and having thoughts of canceling. I don't scare easily but traveling with kids can make one a bit more or even overly cautious. Really wouldn't be as concern if not for the kids. This is not good for Mexico!

We are going to Mexico next week on the Sapphier, is it safe to go with this flu outbreak? We are not planning to get off the ship.

110,000,000 people reside in Mexico.

1004 have the flu severe enough to be treated or hospitalized....about 20 of them have been confirmed as swine flu.

What are the odds?

We're keeping an eye on the swine flu outbreak and, thus far, the cases are far from Mexico's port cities -- and cruise lines are not changing their plans to call in Mexico. Royal Caribbean, for one, tells us that the line's medical and public health departments are monitoring the situation through the CDC and WHO. Princess, too, says its voyages are operating without change.

If the situation changes and swine flu does pose a threat to cruise travel, we'll report it here on Cruise Critic, so stay tuned.

Be sure to take antibacterial soap with you.

Good to use, but ineffective again a virus such as the flu.

In other words, take the same precautions you should be taking for noro.

Protection from the swine flu from what I'm reading takes a little more than washing you hands which some people hardy do anyway aboard a cruise ship. I wouldn't be afraid to go to Mexico if I had a scheduled cruise but I don't think many people will be looking to book any new cruises until things calm down.

Good to use, but ineffective again a virus such as the flu.

Thank you! I was just about to post that antibacterial scrubs do nothing against the flu because its a virus, then I saw your post. Just like they don't kill norovirus. You have to get a washing agent that is specifically anti-viral, and those are few and far between.

That said, hand washing is still the number 1 defense against infectious disease transmission that is not airborne. So wash often, but wash for at least 30 seconds of thorough soaping each time and don't depend on your anti-bacterial wash to protect you.