Despite the recent, highly publicized incidents cruise ships are still a favorite type of vacation for Americans from coast to coast. Nevertheless these hotels at sea where people play, eat and sleep in close quarters can also be a breeding ground for illness and infectious diseases. If this spring or summer your plans include sailing the seas let’s make sure you can do it safe and sound. You may be wondering:
- How can I avoid a situation like this past January’s illness outbreak that infected hundreds of people on a Royal Caribbean Cruise line?
- Do I have to give up my plans for travel at sea all together?
- Just what is this highly infectious norovirus that is likely to blame for this outbreak and is responsible for 21 million other cases of cruise ship sickness in the US every year?
- What are some signs that I may have contracted the norovirus?
- How can I protect myself from the norovirus and other dangerous outbreaks in general?
Let’s get those questions answered! I’m here to give useful tips and advice pertaining to cruise ship travel health and wellness as well as shed light on the norovirus, signs you may have it, and offer preventative tips that are more than useful, and they could prevent a potentially serious health issue.
How does a cruise-lover avoid a situation like this past January’s illness outbreak that infected hundreds of people on a Royal Caribbean Cruise line?
- Before booking a cruise do your research. The CDC actually publishes report cards for cruises which means if you do your homework beforehand you can get some inside scoop on the health history of the vessel you’re choosing. Get access to those reports here: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/inspectionquerytool/inspectionwith100score.aspx
- Also check out the cruise line’s medical team before you book as well and be sure it’s one with a complete staff and high standards!
- Speaking of pre-boarding health prep, let’s talk insurance! Before boarding be sure you’ve got your insurance information on hand, and consider getting traveler’s insurance which can help bail you out of a medical crisis and help cover expenses you may run into. Just be sure you go over the policy details before purchasing!
Do I have to give up my plans for travels at sea all together?
- Outbreaks like what we’ve seen on cruise lines lately are not abnormal when you consider you’re cramming thousands of people together in a tight space where it’s possible for germs and viruses to travel quickly. That said DON’T put your life or activities on hold because of the dangers in any kind of travel opportunity.
- Instead of swearing off cruises all together I encourage you to do research, get educated and be prepared. Know precautions to take (which we’ll discuss shortly), and be prepared by doing research before boarding.
Just what is this highly infectious norovirus that is likely to blame for this outbreak and is responsible for 21 million other cases of cruise ship illness in the US every year?
- The norovirus is highly contagious and spreads from affected individuals via vomit or feces. When you’re in close quarters like a cruise ship it can spread extremely quickly.
- Get this: each sick person can give off AKA shed billions of disease causing particles yet it takes only 18 of them to get you sick! You do the math – a cruise ship can be a breeding ground for a fast spreading epidemic! On top of that, the virus can take up to 12-48 hours to incubate before one sees signs of the virus, meaning you or someone you know may have it without seeming sick at first! It can also remain present in your body even after you begin to feel better and live in your stool for up to 2 weeks. So again, knowing that it can often be “invisible” yet present is important!
What are some signs that I may have contracted the norovirus on a cruise or elsewhere else?
- The symptoms of this virus often resemble the symptoms of food poisoning in its early stages, so it can be overlooked when you first contract it or can be misdiagnosed. Key signs are diarrhea and vomiting and of course feeling just terrible.
- If you do begin experiencing symptoms get in touch with a medical professional right away and begin hydrating right away! Also be sure you stay inside and away from others and public spaces where you could spread it.
How can I protect myself from the norovirus and other dangerous outbreaks in general?
- Being educated and knowing the signs and symptoms are the first step!
- HAND WASHING IS KEY! Be sure you wash your hands after taking a trip to a bathroom or touching things others may have come into contact because although you’re healthy others may have left their germs behind! Hand sanitizer IS your friend.
- Be cautious about who and where your food is prepared.
- Dispose of any infected or soiled items with gloves and take other safety precautions.
- If you do get sick on a cruise don’t feel bad about contacting your own doctor and don’t rely solely on the cruise ship’s medical team! Your doctor knows YOU best.
- Watch what you eat and drink – Drink bottled sealed water. Also be mindful of your alcohol intake as the way people prepare your drinks or old dirty glasses can be a source of infection, and if you are too buzzed you may not be able to realize your judgment regarding a clean glass is impaired.
You don’t have to end your passion for cruises forever but you do need to proceed with caution in this situation, just like you would on any vacation you may take.
Bon Voyage!
Dr. V