Tips on Protecting Your Family from Germs at Theme Parks

Given the current international Swine Flu headlines and the international pandemic, extra sanitary precautions are no longer a luxury- especially when traveling. Since traveling to theme parks involves touching multiple surfaces over the course of long periods of time under conditions favorable for germ breeding and transferring, it’s best to be proactive versus reactive.

Before you go out and buy your children a plastic bubble or face mask, no cases have been confirmed at Disney or anywhere else in Florida, so your trip is safe. Also, rest assured the theme parks will be using measures above standard industry practices to guarantee the safety of their guests and the fattening of their wallets. Parent companies of Disney, Universal Studios and Anheuser Busch (Sea World, Aquatica) have implemented sanitation practices and enhanced cleaning schedules to prevent the spreading of infection; from rented stroller to hand rail, everything gets cleaned. They use hand washing stations along with sanitizing stations throughout their parks. These companies regularly receive the highest of ratings in industry sanitation inspections and it’s due to the measures they take to protect guests.

Yet how can you be absolutely sure that stroller you’re about to place you’re toddler in isn’t a haven for germs?

Unless you disinfect it yourself, you can’t. Here are a few precautions you can take that can potentially safeguard your family from germs when vacationing at a theme park.

For starters, according to the CDC, the current pandemic of H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) can spread to people in two ways: direct contact with infected pigs or areas where the pigs have been (which is likely to happen in Mexico only) or it can be transferred from an infected person. The disease spreads in the same way as the human flu does- by inhaling airborne particles (coughs and sneezes), or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the nose, mouth or other orifice so it’s relatively easy to protect yourself. Your first and simplest defense is vigilance.

Try to avoid contact with individuals who are displaying obvious flu symptoms. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as often as possible. If contact is unavoidable, wash your hands as soon as possible. Hygiene is the second defense against infection.

No one likes to lug heavy, bulky items along on a trip but when traveling with kids, a bag is almost always inevitable. Luckily, items that can protect you from germs are almost always compact. Definitely travel with hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes and potty protectors. Make sure to use sanitizer before and after every ride and have children wash hands thoroughly before meals and after using facilities. For younger children, potty protectors are also a key item; they are the most hygienic options for public restrooms. Disposable placemats for eating surfaces are also a tangible item but opening up a paper napkin will achieve the same effect. As for the masks, studies have shown that some are relatively ineffective.

Masks only work if changed often. Since they can hold moisture easily, they can become an infection risk. Additionally, not all masks are effective. Surgical masks, for example, are not designed to prevent inhaling virus particles but to prevent doctors from spreading germs to patients instead. Masks that protect against viruses conform to the US equivalent N95 and the European standard FFP3.

To prevent spreading infection, always cover your mouth and nose (preferably with tissue) when coughing or sneezing and promptly wash your hands afterwards.

If possible, travel with a disinfectant spray. Many products now come in travel sizes. A favorite of the author is Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface spray which reportedly kills 99% of bacteria.

Noteworthy of mention is the importance of wearing water socks/shoes while at the water parks. Not only for protection from heated/slippery surfaces and objects, water socks and shoes can provide protection against catching the most common disease found in water parks- HPV, better known as the Human Papilloma Virus which is what causes painful, plantar warts.