Need advice re traveling

[kpsunbound]

Hi all,

Like most of you, I *just* found out that I'm pregnant. Probably between 2-4 weeks along? I'm very happy, but have a unique situation that I'm trying to work through...

I'm currently living in the Middle East with my husband and 1 year old daughter. We have plans to go home to the states for a visit mid-Aug to mid-Sept. (14 hour flight to east coast, 4 hour lay over, then a 5 hour flight to mid-west - all with a 12 month old in tow = lots of airport time). I'm a bit concerned about the swine flu, as being pregnant leaves us more susceptible to illness and from recent reports, pregnant women aren't faring well from the swine flu.

Obviously I really want to go home to see my family, etc. Just trying to do what's right...and to find the balance between living life not out of fear and yet being responsible.

I would like to hear from you; do you think it's silly to cancel our plans to go home or careless to go?

Thanks.

[rollergirl]

i think if you take the usual precautions against the flu, you will probably be fine. of course you can't 100% guarantee that you wouldn't catch the flu if you are careful about washing your hands and drinking plenty of liquids and getting some extra vitamin C and lots of rest and fresh fruits and veggies and other eating well, etc, but i don't know that i would see the swine flu is SO rampant that you should cancel your plans.

but you have to do what you are comfortable doing!

[ivymae]

Dh and I have been emailing back and forth all morning about swine flu and pregnant women, so it has been on my mind a lot today as well. DH works in an airport (administrative, but spends some time on the lanes as a supervisor), so he is concerned that he could get us all sick. My stance is that I will not be getting the vaccine (I'm not keen on being in the first wave of ANY vax, let alone one i would be sharing with a unborn baby) and will be boosting our immune systems in every way possible (nutrition, exercise, lots of sunshine, acupuncture, etc). My panic level is at about a 3 right now, which ranks below bee stings, but above cold coffee.

So, if it were me, I would continue with your travel plans. Is there a deadline for canceling and getting your money back? Perhaps keep abreast of the news, and if there is a massive outbreak where your family lives, cancel and use the money to fly your family to see you?

[aylaanne]

I'd be more worried about a DVT than I would be about Swine Flu. My panic level for swine flu (and I work in a hospital) is -2.