Status of the flu in DW

[trainplane3]

Are flu shots ever effective though? I dont have kids, but see the articles about parents who have vaccinated their kids but are upset with parents who have not. If your child is vaccinated, whats the worry? Unless the vaccine doesnt work. If So, why what would it matter even if the other kids are or are not vaccinated?

From what I understand, they take a guess (highly educated, scientific guess) at what the years big strain of flu will be and make a vaccine for it. They can be right or wrong. When they're right, good. When they're wrong, you get situations like this. The yearly flu vaccine isn't the end all, be all.

I work downtown and my company gives it to everyone for free. So why not? It can't hurt.

 

[dreamfinder]

From what I understand, they take a guess (highly educated, scientific guess) at what the years big strain of flu will be and make a vaccine for it. They can be right or wrong. When they're right, good. When they're wrong, you get situations like this. The yearly flu vaccine isn't the end all, be all.

I believe there are dozens if not hundreds of different strains of the flu. The flue shot is an educated guess as to which 3? strains will be most prevalent on any given year. On years they select the right strains, it's very helpful. On years they don't select the right strains, it doesn't do much good.

 

[Myth Maker]

My advise if you are staying at the resort as well.. do not use the glass cups in the room. And wipe down surfaces when you arrive.. Also as everyone says wash hands before you eat, this goes a long way.

 

[21stamps]

Are flu shots ever effective though? I dont have kids, but see the articles about parents who have vaccinated their kids but are upset with parents who have not. If your child is vaccinated, whats the worry? Unless the vaccine doesnt work. If So, why what would it matter even if the other kids are or are not vaccinated?

I’ve had the flu shot every year besides 2014.
2014 was the only year that I had the flu, until yesterday.
My son has never had the flu. I am praying that this remains true even with my sickness.

I blame the grimy kids at soccer when we’re shaking hands after a game. Apparently I must have touched my eyes or mouth before washing my hands.

Anyway, I’ll continue to get flu shots in the future.

OP- just go and have fun. Wash hands often, use sanitizer, move away from coughing guests. I wouldn’t skip any attractions over it.
Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Mickey shaped world]

I find taking echinacea drops everyday helps to avoid getting sick. I've been taking them this winter and I've avoided the flu so far. I understand the worry, I know the pain of being sick at wdw. On my 18th birthday trip I got on the plane feeling fine but by the time I got on the magical express, I was doubled over in pain and shivering. When we arrived at check in at Saratoga springs the first thing I did was run to the bathroom Though I think the cast member at check in took pity on me as she give us a room right beside the lobby. I was very grateful Next trip I will be taking every precaution

 

[prfctlyximprct]

Can this be moved to general discussion please @wdwmagic

 

[jakeman]

Without me going into my personal beliefs on Flu shots, it doesn't prevent you from getting the flu. Many say it will reduce the symptoms or shorten the duration but it won't prevent you from getting the flu. I don't have kids either but I believe most schools require the kids to get it. Tamaflu is in the same vain, once you have symptoms, that medicine will only reduce/hide some of the symptoms but doesn't really "cure" the flu.

This is wholly inaccurate.

Here is a link to the CDCs webpage:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

And a quote from that page on how vaccines work:

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

Regarding Tamiflu, it's base mechanism of action is to inhibit the release of virus particles. It is an antiviral that stops the virus from replicating. It can cure the flu. It is not indicated in the treatment of symptoms.

Here is the prescribing information for Tamiflu:

https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/tamiflu_prescribing.pdf

I'll direct you to section 12.4 for the mechanism of action.

Please don't spread misinformation.

 

[Diablo]

I took way too much vitamin c once, like 10 times the normal dose, only for a few days though. Let's just say number ones looked like orange Gatorade. Quickly stopped doing that.

For me, I ended up with a stomach so acidic that anything I ate or drank exploded in gas. It was awful.

 

[Horizons '83]

This is wholly inaccurate.

Here is a link to the CDCs webpage:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

And a quote from that page on how vaccines work:

Regarding Tamiflu, it's base mechanism of action is to inhibit the release of virus particles. It is an antiviral that stops the virus from replicating. It can cure the flu. It is not indicated in the treatment of symptoms.

Here is the prescribing information for Tamiflu:

https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/tamiflu_prescribing.pdf

I'll direct you to section 12.4 for the mechanism of action.

Please don't spread misinformation.

Again that is if you trust the CDC. There is plenty of evidence on the contrary. Tamiflu is awful for your body. Don't trust everything you read. There is a HUGE amount of money to be had on "flu shots". The same folks that are pushing for the flu shots at the CDC are being paid by the companies that sell the shots. You also have folks that will work of the CDC then move on to these companies and vice versa creating a ring of lies.

 

[jakeman]

Again that is if you trust the CDC. There is plenty of evidence on the contrary. Tamiflu is awful for your body. Don't trust everything you read. There is a HUGE amount of money to be had on "flu shots". The same folks that are pushing for the flu shots at the CDC are being paid by the companies that sell the shots. You also have folks that will work of the CDC then move on to these companies and vice versa creating a ring of lies.

I see. It's a conspiracy.

Okay.

 

[Horizons '83]

I see. It's a conspiracy.

Okay.

No just a gimmick... God forbid you challenge what some call the norm.

 

[jakeman]

No just a gimmick...

Kind of like the Earth being round, I guess.

 

[Horizons '83]

Kind of like the Earth being round, I guess.

Haha...

Do you believe your eyes will get crossed if you watch too much TV? Waiting 30 minutes before swimming? Because someone told you so?

 

[HauntedPirate]

*Wants to jump in, but thinks twice and stays far, far away from this one...*

 

[Horizons '83]

Eh its not worth it. I believe in what I believe in and he believes what he believes in. I don't think in the history of message boarding an opinion has ever changed haha

 

[jakeman]

Eh its not worth it. I believe in what I believe in and he believes what he believes in. I don't think in the history of message boarding an opinion has ever changed haha

Except based on the current available medical science, you are fundamentally wrong in every aspect of what you believe.

That's fine though. You do you.

 

[Horizons '83]

Except based on the current available medical science, you are fundamentally wrong in every aspect of what you believe.

That's fine though. You do you.

Let's get back on topic shall we. I extended an olive branch but that's fine because your "truth" must be better than mine.

Bottom line is if you traveling to WDW, there will always be a risk of getting sick based on the sheer number of folks that touch everything. Just be prepared and enjoy. I hope (Original Poster) you have a great time!

 

[xdan0920]

Eh its not worth it. I believe in what I believe in and he believes what he believes in. I don't think in the history of message boarding an opinion has ever changed haha

Just out of curiosity, are you in the medical field? What makes you believe the things you believe?

 

[Horizons '83]

Just out of curiosity, are you in the medical field? What makes you believe the things you believe?

Hi there! While not a medical doctor myself, my father is Pediatrician and my brother-in-law is a General Physician at our local hospital . After several in depth conversations on the topic it has caused me to think the way I do now. These are the certainly 2 of the maybe 5 people I put my full trust in. I am not saying I am correct or wrong, but its ok to question things. This is one I certainly question, the thought that a flu shot is going to prevent me from the flu, there are a lot of underlying issues that go beyond the shot itself, mostly money and politics.

 

[The Mom]

Are flu shots ever effective though? I dont have kids, but see the articles about parents who have vaccinated their kids but are upset with parents who have not. If your child is vaccinated, whats the worry? Unless the vaccine doesnt work. If So, why what would it matter even if the other kids are or are not vaccinated?

An easy to understand explanation of herd immunity. https://www.quantamagazine.org/flu-vaccines-and-the-math-of-herd-immunity-20180205/
In the case of this year's flu shot, which is, unfortunately, only between 10% - 20% effective, it means that even if it only prevents 10 out of 100 exposed people from getting the flu, it prevents those 10 people from passing it on to someone else (let's say 10 people) who can then pass it on to another 10 people each. Which brings us to 100. And so on - until the disease has run it's course.The more people who have immunity, the healthier the population as a whole will be.

Some people are fortunate enough to live decades without being exposed - I was one of them. But I started getting the flu shot since my natural immunity to all common North American diseases is starting to decrease with age.