Current dilemma apart from PMR is should I fly to Vancouver this week with my elderly Mum (89) who keeps good health to attend my nieces wedding (on a remote part of Vancouver Island)
More concerned about travelling, it’s not an easy journey, and the fact that things are escalating rapidly.
I’m doing much better myself but still on 6mg pred, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and valacyclovir.
Worst nightmare is one of us becomes ill and then we get stuck somewhere or worse. If it wasn’t a family wedding I wouldn’t go.
Get the impression the situation in North America is underestimated.
Any thoughts gratefully received.
Written by
Lochy
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I think it's difficult as planes always an issue for me but if you do the proper prep and clean your seat etc and get full assistance both ends so stress and physical exertion limited fir both of you as much as possible....then you might manage it I suppose. Get full insurance too. Obviously your mum's age makes her in the as risk end.
I wouldn't like to miss some of my neices wedding but there has to be an understanding that if you decide planes and crowds too risky for mum and you you can be absent. You can then get someone to facetime it or whatever and cast it th o a TV your mum can see to experience it.
Here's supposed the live updates.... This is the mobile version. Good luck deciding!
Thanks for that link. Quite interesting. I think we are already stressed by the whole thing! Moving through the airports will be the most stressful part as we don’t know who we are mixing with. Perhaps they will be deserted. 🤞
Try this. You may have to open it again on a separate URL and refresh. The menu gives you desktop or mobile version. It may have timed the link ou. Hope it works!
Tried the mobile versions and had partial success. Then, I tried the same one I had open in desktop and refreshed. Got part of it. I suspect it is busy and loading will take time. Thanks! This is a great summary and an amazing feat of JH.
It makes clear why the travel bans to the US have included the countries it has. Just following the numbers. This is the tool I have wanted to help wade through the junk being espoused. Thanks again!
It's only confirmed cases rather than actual infection rates. But it gives and idea, though its only as good as the categories and the info sources.. I like it but I am into gimmicky tech things 🤯 . Given the number of confirmed cases already in the USA., Internal movement is just as, if not more significant. As it is in most places. The incubation period has been reported as up to mid 20days...thats a long period and one person traveling or working with others can spread it then exponential rises occur.
It is the asymptomatic transmission that will keep everyone on their toes. I wonder if the young, as in children, have been more exposed to the recent viruses that bear biological resemblance to this one than we older folks and have some antibodies that we don't have. I really think it may be more than just condition of the aged in the long run. Totally speculation on my part, but I'll be interested in the epilogue on all of this. Hope to hear how it all turns out. I'm sure going to give it my best shot.
BC is one of the hotspots in Canada, but it is nothing like we are seeing in some other countries. There has been one death, a person over 80 in a long term care facility. In Nova Scotia everyone who presents at a hospital emergency department will be tested before entering the department. As of this minute, things change daily, there have been no cases in our part of the country, All school trips abroad have been cancelled, as has a womens world hockey tournament and other events are being postponed all the time now. Children who had been on a class trip to Italy are under house quarantine for two weeks, not able to return to class. All people re-entering the country are being asked not to visit long term care facilities for two weeks after arriving. If you have returned from a short list of countries where it's particualrly serious but have no symptoms you are asked to self isolate for two weeks. There are other measures in place. We have learned a lot from the SARS epidemic some years ago when Toronto was at the epicentre and health care workers died.
There was discussion about this on the radio in relation to the risks of cruise travel It is felt that air travel is not as risky as you aren't living in close quarters with hundreds or thousands of other people and touching various surfaces over days. You are cooped up for a few hours and can take measures to keep your own little space safer by using alcohol based wipes, etc. And that whole thing about NOT TOUCHING YOUR FACE! How hard that is!!!!
There is one possibility which was not available in a previous generation - a video of the ceremony. Not the same, I know, as the opportunity for a family reunion. But I was able to watch the video of a young cousin of mine who was married a few years ago and actually enjoyed it very much.
I think they must. As the air outside is very thin and cold it doesn't seem possible to be taking in fresh air. And even if filtered I doubt any filter effectively removes pathogens. I wondered about this when those poor passengers were confined on the cruise ship, the ones with no external balconies to escape to. They said the air was fresh, but how did it circulate?
My thoughts are that you set yourselves up at home with some cake and bubbly and try to get a live feed of the proceedings from an obliging friend or relative. You will end up seeing much more of the important bits without the stress of travel and the risks to your mum’s health and your own. 🍾🥂🍰🍰.🌸
I think it is fair to say the situation anywhere has been underestimated.
If it were me I would, reluctantly decide not to go. There are too many like the young woman on TV in front of me now: "It's being overreacted too, we have always had such illnesses ..."
A mid-20s young woman in Vietnam decided to visit Europe, including her sister in Paris and also Milan. Her sister already had the virus it seems. When asked where she had been she lied so was allowed to fly. An elderly couple were sat 2 rows in front of her, on their way to a dream holiday to celebrate the husband's recovery from cancer. Both have now tested positive and are in isolation in less than 5 star accommodation. Vietnam went from being clear of Covid to having multiple cases.
You can take a lot of precautions - but one irresponsible person can be enough. And that is why the Italian government has cracked down on such activities.
At this time, North, South, East or West, home is best.
When it is all over ( and it will be we just have to hang on in there) then off you both go and have a wonderful stress free time. Vancouver is not going to disappear.
There aren't any confirmed cases of Covid19 on Vancouver Island but some cases elsewhere , of course your consideration doesn't just have to be where you are going but where you have to travel from or where you do any stop overs or changes.
You really need to make a choice on two things ,
can you cope with the trip itself with your current health issues and any Stress you may feel about the trip and Covid Restrictions.
Do you feel that the risk is low enough in your journey to make you feel confident that you can take a trip without the risk of infection.
Although your Mum may be older than you if she is in good health for her age the final decision needs to be yours really as you are possibly in a more vulnerable health group than she is.
If you don't feel confident to travel is it still possible for your Mother to go by arranging support from another Family member to take her to the airport and meet her at the other side?
This could be a good option to investigate with family and friends if your main reason for feeling you need to travel is to make sure your Mum doesn't miss out.
Although it is sad to miss a big Family Occasion , you do need to do what is good for your Health in general , not just in response to Covid 19 , and maybe just getting to watch it from Home may be an option that you would prefer to do .
If you catch something while abroad you may need to stay there and will need to take enough Pred and other medications to cover any delays or time in quarantine outside the UK.
There are plenty of things you can do to help reduce the risk of infection including using priority boarding and airport assistance. Telling them your health issues and immuno compromised status before going to the airport will help them prepare at each airport to rush you through , use of a wheelchair and possibly seat you in an isolated area during waiting times.
Keeping your travel area clean , taking care with consumables on the plane and even using a scarf can give you more protection or self confidence.
Boosting your nutrition , increasing fluids and vitamin C before your trip could help improve your general body health so if you get any infection or allergy while away it would make it easier to cope with it.
Ultimately , it's what you feel in your heart is going to work for you.
COVID-19 isn't just another cold or flu virus. There's no vaccine and treatment is still sketchy. The fact that many people with the virus show no symptoms mean that you simply don't know how much at risk you are. Without containment measures, national and personal, medical infrastructure will be overwhelmed.
Various governments are imposing travel restrictions and quarantine of people arriving from different parts of the work with very little notice. Anyone traveling far from home could find themselves in a very unpleasant situation; even worse if they contract the virus, too. I would certainly not want to expose an 89 year old lady to such risks.
Stay home, don't panic, exercise caution by limiting contact with other people. Follow the hygiene rules to the letter.
Western countries/governments like the UK and the USA have been arrogant and complacent so far as if they think it can only happen to foreigners. In the UK they probably don't want to offend anyone and in the US, containment will be seen as a threat to their freedoms. The virus won't give a shit. I despair!
Disappointing to miss a family wedding . . . weighing up the risk of travelling - an elderly Mum and your health - the chances of contracting the coronavirus in airports and flight, sounds stressful. In Australia we have been warned that Travel Insurance companies are not paying any coronavirus claims and anyone over 60 has been advised not to travel. Wishing you well.
Everything I have read and seen on TV is advising anyone 60 and over and or chronic conditions not to fly. There is quite a number of cases in BC and California. If everyone avoids non essential travel for awhile it might help stop the spread. I have a trip coming up in June to Israel. They have some pretty drastic measures over there now but I am not optimistic that it will be under control even by then.
I believe we should all be practicing “social distancing” until this pandemic has run its course. This travel is something I would not subject myself to, let alone my 89 year old mother. Your relative will certainly understand your position on travel at this time, and, frankly, this might be an opportunity to evaluate the option to postpone and reschedule the ceremony.
I’m heading to Vancouver next Wednesday (departing from Toronto) to see my aunty moms. I’m aware of the precautions I can take, and WestJet (the airline I’m flying on), sent me an email containing information about what they have implemented re protocols for cleaning the interior cabins between flights and their air filter systems.
This is my choice, but each person must make their own individual decision that is right for them.
One thing I’ve not heard of much is the use of latex gloves, which serves as a barrier and can be easily disposed of (as an alternative or in conjunction with hand washing and hand sanitizer).
Your mother, given her age and if as you say she is healthy may well be considering this as a last opportunity and have personal strong reasons not to cancel. You, on the other hand, have legitimate concerns for yourself. Is it possible for someone else to accompany her or for her to travel alone with all airline assistance available. It's a difficult one but , even at only 82, I can still put myself in her shoes.
I am a LifeCycle Celebrant on Vancouver Island so I have had rumblings about postponing weddings and I quite frankly wish they would. We have no cases on the Island yet but rest assurred that it's coming. Social separation is probably the answer now. ost airlines are accepting free changes of dates. I don't know where you will be on VI but suppose you get here woth a cough and are quaranteened for 14 days wherever you are? You may love your niece to the max but is it worth thr risk. Hope all goes well for you
Before this epidemic of coronavirus happened, I was very torn as to attending my close nieces wedding in Thailand this April, due to fibromyalgia, arthritis and frequent shingles. The logistics from Australia were never ending and instead of the normal 10 day trip I would of needed at least three weeks (rest days in between travel and wedding etc). My daughter from the UK is attending as bridesmaid and my brother whom I haven’t seen for 10 years is also attending. And also my son will be there. A big family reunion!
My heart would override my head many many times but alas my head took over, put its foot down and said no you cannot risk your health and the everyday life that you happily lead. Although I don’t know when I will see my daughter from UK next I had to forego that reunion as well which has devastated me.
A FaceTime/Skype is going to happen and I know I will still feel a part of the ceremony, yay to modern technology!
The best decision for oneself is sometimes needed and in this case selfish is not a dirty word.
Good luck with your journey wherever you decide to be
I realise it BC you are going to but this doesn't look good... European flights to USA stopped from Friday...UK excluded.
I’m not quite sure of the logic there (excluding UK and IRL from the ban) but maybe best not to waste time looking for logic there....🤔
As the French have said, coronavirus doesn’t stop with Br***t. Surely that’s going to encourage more travel in Europe, with people travelling to UK/IRL to then travel on to US?
Things are changing so fast I think I’d worry about getting stuck over there - in quarantine or else just because of travel restrictions - with an elderly mother, leaving aside the rest of the problems you’ve considered.
I took my 90 year old mother to my niece's wedding a few years ago and while she enjoyed it and I was glad we went, it was pretty stressful for me - and that was just in another town in Scotland so please don’t underestimate the stress on you. Good luck whatever you decide.
I suspect many weddings will be postponed in the coming months. I wouldn't go, stay home and be safe. Skype or Facetime sounds like a good alternative. I'm here in Florida (temporarily) where word is our first case here lived just a few streets away, so they shut down and thoroughly deep cleaned all facilities here in the Country Club (glorified trailer park), and just reopened today. Rumor has it the woman who died had been on a trip overseas to Egypt, so it could be just other passengers carrying it. Not confirmed though. Here in the states officials are very closed mouth about who has it, where they live, etc. Also, very few test kits are available so it is suspected to be far more prevalent than what is reported.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Flying high?
Flying with GCA 
Flying / anxiety / stress / Insurance / Critically sick brother
Day 4 29c Flying Tonight to Aus
