Swine Flu Pandemic

[WineDown17]

Concerned about upcoming cruise..any one else worried about traveling while the details emerge?

[alicam]

nope...and we visited Toronto when they had the SARS epidemic a few years back....we don't let things like that get us all rattled up

[Veronica13]

Concerned about upcoming cruise..any one else worried about traveling while the details emerge?

 

I would be somewhat concerned, but since it's been confirmed that it's too late for containment and has already been spread at least to the US, I think that ship has sailed.

 

CNN reports the cat's already out of the bag, which means, it's traveling all over the planet by pax on airplanes. Nothing you can do.

[GaryfmCol]

I would be somewhat concerned, but since it's been confirmed that it's too late for containment and has already been spread at least to the US, I think that ship has sailed.

 

CNN reports the cat's already out of the bag, which means, it's traveling all over the planet by pax on airplanes. Nothing you can do.

 

 

Sure there is..

just don't shake hands with anyone,

don't let anyone breathe on you

and, hold your breath...simple as that...:rolleyes::D

[WineDown17]

Its all our fault.. trip of a lifetime.. something was BOUND to happen!!

[marseille]

We are leaving tomorrow on the Infinity. Yes, we are a bit concerned.

[Despegue]

Why on earth would you be concerned?! Enjoy your cruise and don't be so paranoia.

[WineDown17]

Why on earth would you be concerned?! Enjoy your cruise and don't be so paranoia.

 

Illnesses that kill hundreds fo people and that no one knows a whole heck of alot about. Well, scary.

[cruzendude]

Why get all worked up over a bunch of sick pigs...:eek: .. just don't order the pork chops in the dining room! :p ;)

[JanineM]

I just watched a report on the news and they said that this particular flu is VERY TREATABLE with Tamaflu. They said that if you find you are coming down with flu symptoms then get to a doctor, a walk in clinic, or the medical clinic on the ship and get a prescription for Tamaflu.

 

They were very insistent that people should not panic. Instead follow that old cruise ship maxim ...

wash your hands

wash your hands

wash your hands!

[Veronica13]

Panic, of course not. Just be prudent.

 

I have been washing hands frequently since Noro first came out, and I haven't been sick since. As a matter of fact, Noro did me a favor. I never gets colds or flu in the winter anymore either. I wash my hands after touching anything like supermarket carts, planes, CHILDREN...LOL

 

In this situation, I would probably double my efforts. Use Cold-eze (zink tabs), frequent hand washing and try not to worry because I've done all I can.

[flytoeat]

Concerned about upcoming cruise..any one else worried about traveling while the details emerge?

 

 

Please don't use the term "pandemic" when it is not indicated.

[Ma Bell]

The word "Pandemic" just means that it is an infectious disease that speads over a large area. It doesn't necessarily mean that it is any more deadly than just a regular flu.

 

It is also almost summer and very likely to die out quickly because the germs don't spread easily in summer.

 

Don't worry unnecessarily.

[Veronica13]

Please don't use the term "pandemic" when it is not indicated.

 

Hmmm...it was called Pandemic yesterday by the WHO. No, don't panic, but be informed.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html

[cvaty]

Concerned about upcoming cruise..any one else worried about traveling while the details emerge?

When is your trip?!

Until than this may calm.

[pyrogy]

More media-driven than real. So far only 20 confirmed deaths due to this flu, all in Mexico. To put that in perspective, 36000 people die every single year from the regular flu in the United States alone. (That number is also open to interpretation, but it does provide some perspective.)

[Spot]

I'm no more worried about the Swine Flu than I am to anyone getting on an airplane or cruise ship that's sick with the regular flu.

I'm cruising on the Infinity to Alaska 2 weeks from tomorrow and my husband and I both have health issues that getting the flu could complicate but I'm not going to stay at home and let the ship leave without me!!:eek:

[Karynanne]

I wouldn't take this alert too lightly. When SARS hit the media 9 years ago, it started in Japan, and was reported in the media in much the same manner.

 

But 2 months later my DH and I were at a conference in Tampa with 1200 attendees (some from Japan), and he contracted it, and was in a coma for a month. He wasn't expected to live, due to the fact they couldn't recognize what strain of bacteria that was potentially killing him. To this day, they'll still not sure which antibiotic worked, but he's fine, with no residual effects from the illness.

 

To sum it up....just be vigilant in your hygiene. Wash hands often. My DH is headed to Thailand in 2 weeks for business. He's armed with a boat-load of antibiotics (just in case), and will take extra care.

[brazilgirl]

Not to be nitpicky , but antibiotics don´t work against the flu (as the flu is a virus). Antibiotics work against secondary infections that can result from the flu.

 

Antivirals such as tamiflu are the drugs used against theflu and even they aren´t effective sometimes.

 

I am not afraid of many things , but a massive flu epidemic that is highly contagious and deadly/drug resitant is a scary thing. This strain of swine flu doesn´t seem to fit that scenario (hopefully). SARS was more serious medically speaking (from what I´ve read.)

 

Just remember -40 million people died of the Spanish Influenza (including my great grandma and other relatives).

 

All in all , if we think of all the scary possibilities , we won´t leave the house. So , get out there and have fun!

Kim

[sealover155]

I wouldn't take this alert too lightly. When SARS hit the media 9 years ago, it started in Japan, and was reported in the media in much the same manner.

 

But 2 months later my DH and I were at a conference in Tampa with 1200 attendees (some from Japan), and he contracted it, and was in a coma for a month. He wasn't expected to live, due to the fact they couldn't recognize what strain of bacteria that was potentially killing him. To this day, they'll still not sure which antibiotic worked, but he's fine, with no residual effects from the illness.

 

To sum it up....just be vigilant in your hygiene. Wash hands often. My DH is headed to Thailand in 2 weeks for business. He's armed with a boat-load of antibiotics (just in case), and will take extra care.

 

Karyn - You're absolutely correct. I was in Hong Kong when the SARS scare came to a head. I was alone and it was quite frightening. I didn't leave the hotel for 2 days until things calmed down. But I followed the recommendations and luckily managed to avoid it.

 

FYI, in case your DH is unfamiliar with Thailand, we've been there many times and have actually had some experience with Bumrungrad Hospital, a private hospital in Bangkok. We are in the hospital business and have never seen a hospital so well run, with better service and care. We called it the Four Seasons/Ritz Carlton of hospitals. The management is American and absolutely outstanding. Just in case........

[Karynanne]

Karyn - You're absolutely correct. I was in Hong Kong when the SARS scare came to a head. I was alone and it was quite frightening. I didn't leave the hotel for 2 days until things calmed down. But I followed the recommendations and luckily managed to avoid it.

 

FYI, in case your DH is unfamiliar with Thailand, we've been there many times and have actually had some experience with Bumrungrad Hospital, a private hospital in Bangkok. We are in the hospital business and have never seen a hospital so well run, with better service and care. We called it the Four Seasons/Ritz Carlton of hospitals. The management is American and absolutely outstanding. Just in case........

 

Thank you for the hospital information. I'll make sure he has that with him, in case he or his business partners are in need of services.

 

Kim, yes the flu is viral, but as you mentioned, it's the secondary infections that become lethal. When you travel to regions where an influx of different nationalites congregate, it's good to be proactive.

[brazilgirl]

SARS-just for people to have perspective , initially had up to a 70% fatality rate . It later averaged out to around 14 to 17%.

 

This new flu is averaging 7% , but specialists think that number is actually too high.

 

Karynanne-I always take antibiotics overseas (my husband is a doctor and he makes a prescription) , just in case. I totally understand your point. Luckily , we have never needed to use them!I am sure what happened to your husband was terrifying.

 

Kim

[Napi's Mom]

SARS-just for people to have perspective , initially had up to a 70% fatality rate . It later averaged out to around 14 to 17%.

 

This new flu is averaging 7% , but specialists think that number is actually too high.

 

Karynanne-I always take antibiotics overseas (my husband is a doctor and he makes a prescription) , just in case. I totally understand your point. Luckily , we have never needed to use them!I am sure what happened to your husband was terrifying.

 

Kim

Flu is a virus and antibiotics will not affect them if I'm not mistaken, and would be useless. They are only good for Bacterial problems...as I'm sure you know having a Dr in the family?? We have received a prescription. from a World Heath Dr at our clinic (Fancy name for the DR who advised us what shots etc we might need from our clinic) for a antibiotic that will help with any of the Gastronomical upsets , not Cipro. This actually will only affect any bugs in the digestive tract. Is better for you as it doesn't add to the over use of Antibiotics problems...might ask about this. (Wouldn't you know last cruise we forgot to take it along, and my DH was hit with some sort of bug and was quarantined for 48hrs. Don't think it was Noro tho...as he ran a high fever don't think the Dr onboard thought so either,We'd just boarded about 6-7 hrs earlier, but stayed at a Celebrity hotel as we never received a bill for services, and he'd had a "drip" for dehydration. Dr told him he 'wasn't the only one..." and we received credit for those 2 days, and 1 for me)

[brazilgirl]

Napi´s Mom- Read my previous post , in which I make that exact point (about the flu being a virus/antibiotics not being effective unless one has a secondary infection etc).

 

As for for GI infections (very common in Brazil) , we generally use a wonderful , natural medication which is called "Floratil"-it helps reestablish you natural intestinal flora. It is often used for chemo patients too. And of course , rehydration.

 

I take prescribed antibiotics on long trip just as a precaution in case my kids get an ear infection / strep throat etc and we are far from home. As I said , my husband is a physician , so he can differentiate a bacterial infection from a viral one .

 

I am very cautious about antibiotic use , as overuse is causing one of worst health problems-resitant strains of bacteria. I certainly don´t want to be contribute to this , hence my first post on this thread .

 

Kim

[WineDown17]

I really dont understand why people get so offensive about some of these topics!!

 

If people, like myself, are worried, no need to judge.

 

As KarenAnnes experience shows, these types of situations are serious- So a thread on it seems reasonable...

 

Information and support are what the boards are supposed to be about.

 

We leave in under 2 weeks to Spain. Where there are now reported cases. My biggest fear is for DS, who already has chronic pulmonary issues... Will be calling the pediatrician today to see what she recommends.. I dont want to overreact, but seeing as underreaction could be deadly (albeit in rare situations so far) i would prefer to be the latter.