Does the swine flu concern you at all??

[lisascott207]

I am traveling to the Bahamas aboard the Monach of the Seas in 1 week w/DH and DS, who is 1. I am a bit concerned about the swine flu since we will be in such close quarters w/people from all over the country. I noticed that there is 1 confirmed death of a toddler in Texas-awful! We obviously practice propler hygiene, but anyone who has had a baby knows that you can't prevent hands/objects

from touching their mouth!

 

I am well aware that the flu kills thousands (generally the immuncompromised) each year, but this is obviously a more deadly strain that has the potential to be pandemic. All it would take is 1 case to spread like wild fire on a cruise ship!

 

Anyways, I am just curious as to what people's take is on this? Are you concerned, especially those of you who travel w/small children?

Thanks

[tlbuckingham]

I do have two teens in public school but I really don't concern myself with the swine flu outbreak (I believe there are some cases in Delaware and we are in Maryland).

 

The swine flu is treatable so even if you were to get it and you'll know by symptoms it can be taken care of.

 

As long as people use common sense and good hygiene they should be fine.

[timmy1958]

It concerns me because I have a two year old and don't want to see her go thru any of that.

[susique333]

Over the years I have seen the frenzy of Bird flu, SARS, Mad Cow disease, etc. Ive learned to take the wait-and-see attitude. It is my bet that this, too, will settle down.

There is a thought that since in the U.S. we vaccinate our swine for this flu and in Mexico they do not, that somehow we are innoculated by ingesting U.S. pork, thus we get the disease less severely than they do in Mexico. I dunno, sounds plausable.

Plus getting to medical care is easier for us, too.

[libertylover]

Not concerned.

[sas80]

I am traveling to the Bahamas aboard the Monach of the Seas in 1 week w/DH and DS, who is 1. I am a bit concerned about the swine flu since we will be in such close quarters w/people from all over the country. I noticed that there is 1 confirmed death of a toddler in Texas-awful! We obviously practice propler hygiene, but anyone who has had a baby knows that you can't prevent hands/objects

from touching their mouth!

 

I am well aware that the flu kills thousands (generally the immuncompromised) each year, but this is obviously a more deadly strain that has the potential to be pandemic. All it would take is 1 case to spread like wild fire on a cruise ship!

 

Anyways, I am just curious as to what people's take is on this? Are you concerned, especially those of you who travel w/small children?

Thanks

 

My kids are in a daycare (aka "Petri dish") 5 days a week and I am VERY concerned about swine flu. We are in Tx but the cases of it in Tx is in San Antonio (as far as I know) and that is not where we are (thankfully).

 

If you do go on your cruise I would suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and use it frequently on yourselves and your children. My particular concern would be the kids rubbing their eyes with their hands.

 

Would I cancel? Probably not, but I would be very cautious!

[cb at sea]

Unfortunately, if someone who is harboring the virus sneezes or coughs around you, washing your hands won't help. (Yes, you SHOULD wash frequently anyway!) Influenza is spread through droplets that folks cough and sneeze out....you can pick it up from touch, but you're more likely to BREATH in the virus!

[Julienatul]

It worries me a little bit, but not enough to affect my travel plans. Really this strain is not more "deadly" its just being recognized more because it's in the news. Yes it has the potential to be life threatening (just as the regular flu virus does) but the majority of people who contract swine flu, get over it very easily without any complications. Yes, younger children and elderly are more at risk. But, you are no more at risk than you would be at home in a grocery store, shopping mall, restaurant or any other crowded area. It's easily treatable with antivirals if caught early which is why the media is telling everyone about it.

 

The good thing is that every one of us with young children is going to be hyperalert to any symptoms and is going to seek medical care for any fever, cough, cold right now. Bring your pediatrician info with you since the ship dr may not be comfortable with pediatrics. That way if you have any questions or concerns about symptoms you can call their office and talk to someone who is familiar with your child's medical history.

 

Watch for high fever, cough, poor eating, difficulty breathing etc. Im sure the ships are not taking any chances and if your child was showing ANY signs they would immediately evacuate you to the nearest US hospital.

 

Good luck, I hope its a great vacation for you.

[WineDown17]

Leaving in a week with DS (2) who is asthmatic. 2 weeks in Europe on X Summit.

 

Both of his docs (ped and specialist) gave me the green light today, with no reservations whatsoever.. and I was VERY nervous.

 

They couldnt stress enough to keep the hands clean... and prescribed ample medication in case of emergency (steriods.. not anti-viral.)

 

They would have advised against Mexico however.

 

i also confrimed with X today that they will be carrying ample doses of antivirals on board INCLUDING childrens doseages.

[MinnieGi]

We don't leave until June and the news has me a little concerned. But mostly I'm on a wait and see approach. We live near U of D which has 10 reported cases of swine flu already and I'm sure the numbers will go higher as it spreads through the dorms. But the cases here seem to be much less dangerous than in Mexico so that makes me feel a little more at ease.

[lisascott207]

I agree, I am much less concerned since it seems as if people are recovering from this. It seems to mirror the flu that we know. I hope it runs it course soon though..preferably by next friday since that it when we leave for our cruise!!

[crusinmama06]

Nope, not concerned right now. If you remember back to 2007, there was a pretty bad flu that claimed a high number of young lives in the US. THAT one I was concerned about.

 

The child who died in Texas, while tragic :(, was from Mexico and had come to the US for treatment. So for some reason, it is not effecting the US in the same way.

 

So while I wouldn't pick up and fly my kids to Mexico right now, it is not going to change my cruise plans. ;)

[nothriver]

*ANITBACTERIAL WIPES!!!

 

I don't mean to be an alarmist, but I love my antibacterial wipes. I mostly use them for cleaning hands, but also use them for cleaning high chairs, tables, tray tables in airplanes, etc. We used 5 packages on our 8 day trip to Disney World last month. Last week, I realized that most stores were completely sold out because of the stupid swine flu. After finding NONE at 3 stores, I was relieved to find a good stock of them in the travel section at Target - they also had some in boxes of 4 packs with the disposable plates, silverware, etc. The ones the keep near the check out lines were all gone however.

 

Those traveling soon -get your travel wipes! I never leave the house without them, swine flu or not. Now especially, I'd HATE to have to have to travel without them because they are sold out of them because of swine flu! :(

[crusinmama06]

*ANITBACTERIAL WIPES!!!

 

Except that the flu is a virus not "bacterial" :(

 

Now if they have a high level of alcohol, that can kill the flu...just not all viruses. So look for something that is alcohol. :D

 

Maybe I should pack some lysol just to be safe :)

[WineDown17]

Except that the flu is a virus not "bacterial" :(

 

Now if they have a high level of alcohol, that can kill the flu...just not all viruses. So look for something that is alcohol. :D

 

Maybe I should pack some lysol just to be safe :)

 

I bought 4 packages of the Lysol Wipes that say "KILLS THE FLU VIRUS" right on the package.

 

Like Cruisinmama says.. Our Pediatrician did say that Purell will work as well if used correctly, IN ADDITION to frequent hand washing.. Just make sure the anti bacterial has 60% or MORE alcohol. Many of the bargain brands do not. (Purell has 65% as does the Lysol brand)

[CapsR1]

I am traveling to the Bahamas aboard the Monach of the Seas in 1 week w/DH and DS, who is 1. I am a bit concerned about the swine flu since we will be in such close quarters w/people from all over the country. I

Anyways, I am just curious as to what people's take is on this? Are you concerned, especially those of you who travel w/small children?

Thanks

 

You may want to visit your pediatrician with your daughter prior to cruising to see if s/he has any suggestions regarding medications you could take with you.

 

Every article I have read emphasizes the importance of frequent hand washing. Packing a few small containers of anti-bacterial gel would probably be helpful to have in your cabin, backpack, pool bag, etc.

 

Have a great cruise!

[mom2girls]

I am a little concerned! But, not enough to cancel the cruise. I'll make sure to pack some antibacterial wipes and Lysol!