You will all have heard about cruise ships having outbreaks of gastro-intestinal illness caused by Norovirus (NoV), however it is far more common ashore than it is on ships and is the world’s second most common illness.
Here are Dr Martin Carroll’s top tips:
Dr Martin Carroll
1. Prevention is better than cure Wherever you go on board and ashore wash your hands as often as you can with soap and water, specifically before eating.
2. Use the alcohol gel provided It is usually available around the ship and should be used when offered.
3. Avoid uncooked food as much as possible Stick to bottled water, and don’t share drinking glasses and eating utensils.
4. Experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting? Return to your cabin and contact the medical team on board as soon as possible. Be sure to drink plenty of water as dehydration is a common side-effect.
5. If exposed to Norovirus it can take anywhere from one to three days for its symptoms to appear symptoms typically last only 24 to 48 hours but keep up the good hygiene – people may be contagious for as long as two weeks after recovery.
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About Oliver Morley-Norris
I have just this week returned from a Costa Cruise. The cruise itself was good, but I have brought the Norovirus home. In my opinion, hand washing should be mandatory inboard. Oftentimes I was disinfecting my hands whilst 20 people walked past, ignoring the facilities. The problem is the people. Not the ships. Those of us who maintain good hygeine are falling victim to the filthy majority.