H1N1 Influenza A
Maybe interesting to those medical people or other travelers in the family
Gerry was required as crew to get a flu shot described as a Southern Hemisphere shot contracted to the one we get in the US. Funny though, since we share the same cabin; eat at the same table; etc.and I therefore come into contact with the same people he does , I was not asked to get the shot. Doesn't make much sense to me! But then I am catagorized as "guest" not passanger and not crew. I think there are very few of this type of passenger and they do not have a very organized situation for us.....as an example this morning customs people were on board and the ship had trouble locating my passport which is a somewhat uneasy feeling. I do have a photo copy as always feel that is a safe back up plan.
Another point of interest: at each port all passengers and crew disembarking are required to go through a screening which involved an instrument placed in the top fold of the ear. I believe it reads body temperature but am not sure. All those administering the test wear masks, gloves etc. The mask are really complete head covering hair neck and mouth, only eyes free. They sort of look like people about to enter a bee hive area.
Most of the Port terminal building also do screening using computers that register body heat on their screens as you walk by. Also many passengers grumble about it all or want to take photos which are not allowed.
That is weird that you were not required as well.
Crew and guest status sound confusing for all, but I'm glad it's working out OK.
Sounds like you are having a grand adventure. Port medicine is interesting: they have to process a lot of people, from all over the place, with only minimal information - and all without any meaningful relationship between care givers and potential patients.
I think you're right - I suspect the port officials are trying to screen for fever as a way to decide who should be pulled out for an influenza test. My hunch is that vigorous exercise (e.g. in your other post) immediately before such surface temperature-based screens could result in a hassle best avoided.
The southern hemisphere is still in "regular" flu season, and so have to contend with swine flu (H1N1) cases in the midst of other influenza at the same time. For now, the northern hemisphere has the luxury of very little influenza other than swine.
Happily, for now, swine doesn't seem any more lethal than "regular" flu.