World Heath issues and Cruise line Itineraries

[JoeyandDavid]

Cruise line cruise contracts clearly state that the itinerary booked by the guest may change at any time solely at the discretion of the line....

With the current global outbreak of Swine flu do you think the cruise line will begin to make last minute changes to their itineraries based on "activity" CDC reports.. and how would that make you feel?

[Peddler]

I really doubt it.

[deb1220]

If they would make these itinerary changes based on the advice of the CDC, I wouldn't have a problem with it. I'd rather be safe than sorry as the old saying goes!

[JoeyandDavid]

I just couldnt see them pulling into a port "knowing" there was an active outbreak... to me that would be scandelous...

[55ChevyLady]

I just couldnt see them pulling into a port "knowing" there was an active outbreak... to me that would be scandelous...

I agree, surely they would follow the advice of the WHO and the CDC.

[waf125]

I've been trying to follow this pretty closely. I hope the cruiselines would follow protocol and guidelines for any outbreak.

I don't mean to preach, but I strongly encourage everyone to follow good handwashing technique and any cautions you took during normal flu season.

[waf125]

Forgot to add: Joey- thanks for starting this thread!

[JoeyandDavid]

Martha and any other heath professional... any insight into swine flu would be greatly appreciated.. in the 1918 epidemic(spanish Flu) where approximately 675,000 americans died. Worldwide, the number of casualties was between 50 and 100 million.

1976 U.S. outbreak resulted in the death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people

[waf125]

"Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A flu viruses, the CDC's Web site says. Human cases are uncommon but can occur in people who are around pigs. It also can be spread from person to person.

Health officials are concerned because people appear to have no immunity to the virus, a combination of bird, swine and human influenzas. The virus also presents itself like other swine flus, but none of the U.S. cases appear to involve direct contact with pigs, Eberhart-Phillips said."

From what I am reading, the flu in Mexico is hitting ages 25-45 the hardest; very interesting in my opinion, as they are the healthiest, usually. I wonder if that age person delays seeing the doctor until very sick....

[waf125]

U.S. to screen travelers at borders

The U.S. will begin screening travelers at the nation’s borders and isolating people who are actively ill with suspected influenza, Napolitano said. No travel restrictions are issued currently, but that could change, she said.

CDC officials said Sunday they would begin handing out “yellow cards” at airports with information about signs, symptoms and ways to reduce the chance of acquiring the virus.