How do I protect myself from norovirus on a cruise?

How to Protect Yourself from Norovirus on a Cruise

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is commonly spread through contact with contaminated food or surfaces, and it can be especially prevalent in close-quarters environments like cruise ships.

Practice Good Hygiene

The most important step in preventing norovirus on a cruise is to practice good hygiene. This includes:

• Washing your hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after touching surfaces that may be contaminated.
• Using hand sanitizer: Carry a personal hand sanitizer with you and use it frequently throughout the day, especially after touching shared surfaces like door handles, railings, and elevator buttons.
• Avoiding touching your face: Norovirus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands.

Choose Food and Drink Wisely

• Wash fruits and vegetables: Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before eating them.
• Avoid raw shellfish: Raw shellfish is a common source of norovirus. Avoid eating it if you are concerned about getting sick.
• Be cautious of buffet lines: Buffet lines can be a breeding ground for norovirus. Avoid touching food with your bare hands, and use tongs or serving utensils to serve yourself.
• Drink bottled water: Tap water on cruise ships may not be safe to drink. Instead, drink bottled water or other beverages that have been sealed.

Other Precautions

• Wear a face mask: If you are feeling sick, wear a face mask to help prevent spreading the virus.
• Stay in your cabin: If you do get sick, stay in your cabin to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Report any symptoms to the ship's medical staff: If you experience any symptoms of norovirus, report them to the ship's medical staff immediately.

Additional Tips

• Get vaccinated: There is a vaccine available to protect against norovirus. Talk to your doctor about whether getting vaccinated is right for you.
• Use disinfectant wipes: Regularly wipe down surfaces in your cabin and other areas you frequent with disinfectant wipes.
• Pack over-the-counter medications: If you do get sick, pack over-the-counter medications like anti-nausea medication and diarrhea medication.