You always hear news outlets reporting on Norovirus outbreaks on board cruise ships, but here at Cruise Capital we never report on such stories. Why? It simply isn't news. Hundreds of people suffer from Norovirus everyday whether that be in a hospital, school, or cruise ship.
Norovirus is a common and ever increasing concern for cruise travellers. But what exactly is it, what are the symptoms and how can we prevent catching it?
Norovirus is a mild gastrointestinal illness, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is usually short lived and is easily treatable and is very rarely serious.
One of the main reasons Norovirus is such a concern is because it is highly contagious. The virus can easily be transferred to other people by physical contact, such as hand shaking and contact with surfaces, like handrails, elevator buttons and utensils. On land, Norovirus can be less of a concern, but because on a cruise ship, there are thousands of people in a compact space for days on end, the virus can be transferred much easier.
Symptoms
Most people will have nausea, suffer from diarrhoea or feel the need to vomit. Some people will also experience headaches, fever and stomach cramps. These symptoms last around 1-3 days. It takes around 48 hours for the Norovirus to affect you.
Treatment
It is important to drink lots of fluids, such as water. This will help to stop dehydration. The ships doctor may also prescribe medicine for symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important to note that antibiotics are not effective against Norovirus.
Prevention
Cruise ships are regularly inspected for cleanliness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention institute. These measures are in place to prevent possible outbreaks, however these measures are not always enough.
You can reduce the risk of catching Norovirus by frequently washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds whenever eating, drinking, smoking, using the bathroom or coughing and sneezing. Hand Sanitisers are always available around cruise ships and can usually be found near eating venues and other facilities, such as the theatre.
Norovirus is a common and ever increasing concern for cruise travellers. But what exactly is it, what are the symptoms and how can we prevent catching it?
Norovirus is a mild gastrointestinal illness, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is usually short lived and is easily treatable and is very rarely serious.
One of the main reasons Norovirus is such a concern is because it is highly contagious. The virus can easily be transferred to other people by physical contact, such as hand shaking and contact with surfaces, like handrails, elevator buttons and utensils. On land, Norovirus can be less of a concern, but because on a cruise ship, there are thousands of people in a compact space for days on end, the virus can be transferred much easier.
Symptoms
Most people will have nausea, suffer from diarrhoea or feel the need to vomit. Some people will also experience headaches, fever and stomach cramps. These symptoms last around 1-3 days. It takes around 48 hours for the Norovirus to affect you.
Treatment
It is important to drink lots of fluids, such as water. This will help to stop dehydration. The ships doctor may also prescribe medicine for symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important to note that antibiotics are not effective against Norovirus.
Prevention
Cruise ships are regularly inspected for cleanliness by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention institute. These measures are in place to prevent possible outbreaks, however these measures are not always enough.
You can reduce the risk of catching Norovirus by frequently washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds whenever eating, drinking, smoking, using the bathroom or coughing and sneezing. Hand Sanitisers are always available around cruise ships and can usually be found near eating venues and other facilities, such as the theatre.