Warning for current travelers about virus

[Yvonne]

Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine!!! I haven't missed a flu shot in years. They used to be provided through my work at no change. Still don't miss getting one now that I'm retired. The only time I got the flu - & as someone who is seldom sick - I didn't even realize what was going on at first. It was a week before our flu shots were scheduled at work... we were one of the last sites, certainly the last date on the list. Thankfully I was over it by the time the vaccines were given. This variety seems to knock one down fast & hang on longer. My friend who had it (didn't get his flu shot) was really sick for a week & without much energy even longer. So far, so good for me. I got my flu shot early so know I could get hit at the tail end when the effectiveness declines or disappears.

[VVHT]

- please - no passing the "dutchie pon de lef han side...."

I knew Rob would bring back: Back ah Yawd one day....

Sorry for everyones discomfort. Being sick on vacation is the worst.

Like Yvonne said, flu shots help.

VVHT

[Kritter]

Couple other tricks for travelling, since airplanes are the worse for recirculating germs and viruses to all exposed passengers:
1) Take some disposable alcohol swabs with you and wipe down all surfaces around your seat, arm rests, tray tables ..... other passengers will look at you like you're paranoid, but it all helps.
2) This is kinda gross but, boogers are your friends when it comes to travelling (your own boogers, that is). Do NOT blow (or pick) your nose before you travel on a plane .... you don't want to have your delicate membranes exposed to viruses - there's a purpose for those boogers

[Jamerican1]

I used to get sick each and every time I went to Jamaica (well actually anywhere I went if I traveled by plane), about three days into the trip I would get a bad sore throat and then the stuffy head and cough would come on.. Made for some really miserable plane rides home..

I haven't gotten sick the last three trips though! I started taking Airborne about two weeks before we would leave (nasty stuff!!) and it seems to have helped build up my immune system! Yay!!

Great advice on the alcohol swabs! I'll be sure to have a few in my purse for this coming trip!!

[NRV]

Flu season is every where! Bad air on planes. I carry Clorox wipes & wipe down tray & armrests on plane. I carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go & use it before I eat. Try not to touch your face unless your hands are clean. When I check into my room, I wipe down the phone, remote control, door knobs, lights switches, etc. I do this in the States too! Call me paranoid, but my friend's daughter went into cardiac arrest 2x from the flu & spent 3 months in the hospital. This happened in the US.

[Jamakafun]

Well, remember-wash your hands, don't put them in your mouth, don't touch your nose or eyes with your hands unless you just washed them. Working in a hospital, they tell you-Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands (includes alcohol hand wash). Also, in the airplane -use some antiseptic wipes and clean your tray before you use it.

[love2travelchic]

Thanks Mav for the warning and all the others for the good advice!!!

Flu season is every where! Bad air on planes. I carry Clorox wipes & wipe down tray & armrests on plane. I carry hand sanitizer everywhere I go & use it before I eat. Try not to touch your face unless your hands are clean. When I check into my room, I wipe down the phone, remote control, door knobs, lights switches, etc. I do this in the States too! Call me paranoid, but my friend's daughter went into cardiac arrest 2x from the flu & spent 3 months in the hospital. This happened in the US.

NRV I do the same thing I go as far as spraying my bed chairs etc. with lysol and bring my own pillowcases...you can never be too careful!!! Although I do all this I neva thought to wipe down the trays, armrests etc. on the plane and I always carry my wipes for the restroom...I DEF will be doing a wipe over for my upcoming trip in 4days!!!!

[love2travelchic]

Rob definitely Thank you for this info...!!!

With the flu outbreaks happening so strongly in North America this year (its all over the news today on CNN), and with the obvious spread to our Caribbean shores with the increased tourist travel, the local health professionals are becoming very astute at heading off the worst of the symptoms.

Two great local doctors, Dr Grant (957-3770) or Dr Foster (957-9307) are able to see you, but at the first detection of symptoms, a quick trip to any one of the local pharmacies may be advisable (HiLo Plaza, BurgerKing Plaza, Valuemaster Plaza, White Swan Plaza). From all the folks we know who have been effected, the most advised medications and treatments are available over the counter and the pharmacists have become experts in dealing with these early symptoms.

In addition to the common advise of washing hands, not sneezing or coughing on others (or allowing others to do so) - please - no passing the "dutchie pon de lef han side...."

[lee]

"Stomach Flu" is not the flu.

It's norovirus or rotavirus, typically. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm

Flu, or influenza is typically fever, body aches, cough, sore thread - not vomiting and diarrhea. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm

thanks for clarifying this...