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How do YOU stay healthy on a cruise - help needed


knippsel
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Only get sick on those long cruises(transatlantics, Asia, etc). Go to the theatre and hear the barking (coughs) after you are on the ship for a while. At first you hear just a little, then each day it gets worse. We have left the theatre or changed seats on occassion.

We have flu shots every year, wipe down cabin with wipes when arriving.Do all the preventative stuff and usually one of us gets sick.

Just was on the Royal for 25 days and this has been the first time neither my husband and I didn't catch cold or cough.

Those flu shots , if you are relying on that, must be taken each flu season because if you got one in January, it won't help in September. New strains are given for protection each flu season.We get our shots, if available each September. Don't wait till the flu hits the population.

We travel with Robitussin DM in case of a cough (can be purchased on the ship too).My husband works in a medical center, exposed to all kinds of illness , is pretty much immune when we are home. It is those foreign strains that get us.

 

Edited by san diego sue
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Airborne the week before the cruise and flying in day and a great antiseptic (water based hand sanitizer, lasts up to 6 hours, even kills Noro) called Zylast. Carry it everywhere and use it daily.

 

I agree, we use Airbourne the week before and we use it until we get on board the ship! Then we wash, wash, wash our hands! l also carry hand sanitizer wipes.

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This is not another norovirus thread, but rather looking for ideas about how to avoid coming down with a severe cold/cough/respiratory ailment during or after a cruise. We've been fortunate to take a number of cruises over the past 2 years and every time we get home, or sometimes during the cruise, we catch "something". Usually a bad cough, sometimes a little fever, etc. We end up coughing and congested until 3 weeks after a trip. It's not airplanes, it happens even when we drive to the port. At home we're quite healthy - never catch colds. On board we don't overdo the alcohol, we get enough sleep (!) etc. DH doesn't want to book another cruise until we figure out why we end up miserable afterwards. It makes me wonder how the staff/crew/entertainers avoid being sick all the time.

Does this happen to you? If not, what's your secret???

I don't think you are going to find an answer. So, I think you have two options:

 

1. Follow most of the reasonable suggestions posted, hopefully reducing your risk and enjoy your cruise, knowing you still may get a cold or other illness.

 

2. Don't book any more cruises.

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I am a single senior lady and I cruise solo and what I do is tell the cabin steward not to clean my cabin everyday because I think that the cabin stewards carry germs from cabin to cabin. I may be wrong in my thinking but that is what I do when I cruise. I tell them when my cabin needs to be cleaned up. But what I do is to store all of my touchable things into drawers or store them in plastic bags and store them in my closet space. That way they only have to clean the surface of the furniture and things.

 

You are supposed to get a napkin to cover the serving spoons at the buffet. I hardly eat at the buffet. I like to be served.

 

I have to take the elevators but if they get too crowded I wait for another elevator. I cover my face if too many people get on the elevator all of a sudden. I face the walls too. I am afraid of falling going down the stairs because I have partial vision and depth perception problems.

 

I never use the swimming pool or Jacuzzi.

 

I need to have air circulating in my cabin so I think the air-conditioner sometimes gets me ill. I take my meds to feel better right away.

I do carry antibiotics and all my meds.

 

I do come home tired and feel a chest congestion for about a week after a cruise and I think that is because of the air conditioning in my cabin is kept high because it makes me feel good to breath while I sleep. I do wear a night cap, socks, and a robe to sleep at night to keep me warm.

 

I have cruised more than 75 times in my life-time and have never gotten ill on a cruise ship. I think it is because I have followed all of the ideas that everybody has mentioned here. Yes, I wash my hands every chance I get.When I visit a PORT...and get back to the ship I take off my clothes and store it in the plastic bag for dirty clothes and I take a shower right away. I NEVER EAT IN A FOREIGN PORT. Lucy

Edited by LucyR.
add more info.
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It's like teachers...after a few years, they seem to get an immunity to all the nasty "kid" germs....

 

It's probably a combo of stress (pre-vacation), and a change of environment.

 

No, doesn't happen to us, generally speaking.

 

I'm a teacher and enjoyed the "immunity" for 8 years. Changed schools last year and got sick a few times. Never realized moving 3 miles would cause me to lose my immunity. LOL

 

WASH those hands is the best advice. Also use the hand sanitizer that is at the dining venues, especially the buffet.

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This is not another norovirus thread, but rather looking for ideas about how to avoid coming down with a severe cold/cough/respiratory ailment during or after a cruise. We've been fortunate to take a number of cruises over the past 2 years and every time we get home, or sometimes during the cruise, we catch "something". Usually a bad cough, sometimes a little fever, etc. We end up coughing and congested until 3 weeks after a trip. It's not airplanes, it happens even when we drive to the port. At home we're quite healthy - never catch colds. On board we don't overdo the alcohol, we get enough sleep (!) etc. DH doesn't want to book another cruise until we figure out why we end up miserable afterwards. It makes me wonder how the staff/crew/entertainers avoid being sick all the time.

Does this happen to you? If not, what's your secret???

 

We had the same experience as the OP. We cruise 2-3 times a year. Every cruise from 2009 through 2012 we ended up with severe upper respiratory illnesses. They required multiple doctor visits and prescriptions and in several cases we were sick for 3 to 6 weeks afterward. On one cruise I was the only one to get sick and that is because I was seated next to the ill passenger. My husband was seated far enough away from her.

 

Looking back, we know exactly who got us sick. On nearly all of the cruises someone at our large table at dinner boarded the cruise with some sort of URI infection. They all claimed they were not contagious, which my ENT said is bull, since they were obviously exhibiting symptoms. In spite of sitting as far away as possible and not shaking hands, we still got it, probably from surfaces like the salt and pepper shakers and other items passed around the table.

 

On one cruise in late August 2012, on the next to last day, I was seated next to a woman at open seating breakfast who literally hacked all over me. I promptly excused myself and got up and left, but it was too late. She claimed she had been to the ship's doctor and was given antibiotics and therefore was no longer contagious. Within a couple days of getting off the cruise I sounded exactly like she did with horrible laryngitis, a terrible sore throat and deep cough. It turned out to be viral, so her antibiotics did no good. I ended up with pneumonia and when it was all over I was left with no sense of smell or taste. Thanks for nothing. It has been 2 years and despite numerous visits to specialists, trying numerous drugs and having to have an MRI I still cannot smell or taste anything. It has been determined that the olfactory nerve was damaged by the infection. It may or may not come back.

 

We developed a new strategy from that point forward. On the 5 cruises we have taken since implementing our strategy, we have arrived home healthy. Now we ALWAYS book a suite on every cruise. We won't go if we can't get one. Now we always requested a table for 2. If not given to us at embarkation we immediately seek out the Maitre'D and get it changed. If they can't fix it until the next day we eat in a specialty restaurant or have room service. Princess takes care of that nicely with suite guest getting a complimentary dinner in one of the specialty restaurants on the first night.

 

Since we only book suites we get to have breakfast in Sabatini's on Princess and in Chops on RCCL at a table for 2. We do not eat at the buffets EVER. I will not handle utensils handled by others. If the MDR is open for lunch we request a table for 2. On the days when the MDR is not open for lunch and order room service. If we are in port we eat ashore at a table for 2. Before we leave home, we check Trip Advisor and get a list of highly recommended restaurants in each port.

 

I bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down all the door handles, phones, remotes, faucets and desktops etc in our cabin. I even wipe down the furniture on the balcony. We avoid getting into crowded elevators. We will just let them pass and wait until we can get in one by ourselves. When taking the stairs we try to avoid touching handrails. We use our elbows on the elevator buttons. I bring the sanitary wipes to the casino and wipe the buttons on the slot machines. We are mindful about touching things. We wash our hands frequently and use hand sanitizers whenever we pass a dispenser.

 

In the ports we bring hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes ashore. We usually take private excursions or hire a driver to avoid being stuck in a bus with loads of people. We are more likely to take an open air bus than opt for a bus with AC. On board we spend most days relaxing in our cabin or out on the balcony. We participate in very few of the activities, which is fine. After 54 cruise we have been there and done that in the past, ad nauseum.

 

We cruise to get away from our busy lives and to spend quality time together relaxing, not to socialize or make new friends. So, don't ever expect us at a CC Meet and Greet. We do not shake hands with anyone.

 

Call us crazy, but in spite of seeing and hearing lots of people blowing their noses and coughing up a lung, we managed to escape without even a sniffle on our last 5 cruises.

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Question from the OP: How do YOU stay healthy on a cruise?

 

Answer: Bourbon

 

A double shot of bourbon - straight up. Repeat as necessary. (Patient may need multiple doses per day to achieve desired effect.)

 

ASK YOUR BARTENDER IF BOURBON IS RIGHT FOR YOU!!!

 

WARNING: Bourbon can have serious side effects and may lead to complications such as slurred speech, embarrassing behavior, marital discord, and horrible hangovers. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using Bourbon immediately.

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With some of the great lengths people go to stay healthy, the joy is taken out of cruising. I do agree that sitting next to sick people not good.

People taking antibiotics when they feel sick on a cruise are self medicating. Viral infections don't need antibiotics.Taking them when not needed bad. When you really require it, your body may not react to it

because of misuse when not needed.

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I use something called "Vicks First Defense" whilst in any crowded environment (usually whilst travelling). It is a bottle of nasal spray that claims it makes a difference to catching the common cold/germs. I don't know much about the science behind it but I do feel I've had many less problems since starting to use it. Since starting to use this in a high-contamination environment I haven't caught a single cold whilst travelling. I have an autoimmune condition which makes me very susceptible to just about everything too and even the common cold can knock me down for weeks so I'm so happy I discovered it, especially when a £10 bottle will last me 6 months.

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People taking antibiotics when they feel sick on a cruise are self medicating. Viral infections don't need antibiotics

 

If the condition is bacterial, then the "self-medicating" is indicated. True, a virus won't respond to an antibiotic, but there are legitimate reasons to use antibiotics, and the ones I use are doctor-prescribed for a specific sinus thing I get more often than I like. I always have some with me on a cruise. I have learned to tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection.

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Question from the OP: How do YOU stay healthy on a cruise?

 

Answer: Bourbon

 

A double shot of bourbon - straight up. Repeat as necessary. (Patient may need multiple doses per day to achieve desired effect.)

 

ASK YOUR BARTENDER IF BOURBON IS RIGHT FOR YOU!!!

 

WARNING: Bourbon can have serious side effects and may lead to complications such as slurred speech, embarrassing behavior, marital discord, and horrible hangovers. If you experience any of these symptoms stop using Bourbon immediately.

 

This made me snort laugh. Love it!

 

I use something called "Vicks First Defense" whilst in any crowded environment (usually whilst travelling). It is a bottle of nasal spray that claims it makes a difference to catching the common cold/germs. I don't know much about the science behind it but I do feel I've had many less problems since starting to use it. Since starting to use this in a high-contamination environment I haven't caught a single cold whilst travelling. I have an autoimmune condition which makes me very susceptible to just about everything too and even the common cold can knock me down for weeks so I'm so happy I discovered it, especially when a £10 bottle will last me 6 months.

 

Nasal sprays are often a great idea for those who have a susceptibility to respiratory issues. Your nasal membranes dry out easily in air conditioning or in the arid air of some of the destinations, like Aruba and Curacao. Even just a regular saline mist can make a big difference. When your nasal membranes dry out, they are not able to do their job of filtering out the icky stuff. Then, you're more susceptible to the stuff your neighbor at the nearby table is hacking up.

 

I'm very lucky to have an immune system that, after 20 years as a nurse, can go out in the back yard and fight squirrels when it gets bored. DH, not so much. We've learned a little saline spray can go a long way towards making our trips doctor-free. But, as Pam (I think it was you, Pam) said earlier, if you do start the snorting/hacking, etc., go see the medical on board. It's not worth losing days of your vacation to bronchitis or sinusitis which can easily be treated.

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I don't think you are going to find an answer. So, I think you have two options:

 

1. Follow most of the reasonable suggestions posted, hopefully reducing your risk and enjoy your cruise, knowing you still may get a cold or other illness.

 

2. Don't book any more cruises.

 

Pretty much what I was going to say with an additional thought, something which is out of any individual's control, one's genetic inheritance.

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We developed a new strategy from that point forward. On the 5 cruises we have taken since implementing our strategy, we have arrived home healthy. Now we ALWAYS book a suite on every cruise. We won't go if we can't get one. Now we always requested a table for 2. If not given to us at embarkation we immediately seek out the Maitre'D and get it changed. If they can't fix it until the next day we eat in a specialty restaurant or have room service. Princess takes care of that nicely with suite guest getting a complimentary dinner in one of the specialty restaurants on the first night.

 

Since we only book suites we get to have breakfast in Sabatini's on Princess and in Chops on RCCL at a table for 2. We do not eat at the buffets EVER. I will not handle utensils handled by others. If the MDR is open for lunch we request a table for 2. On the days when the MDR is not open for lunch and order room service. If we are in port we eat ashore at a table for 2. Before we leave home, we check Trip Advisor and get a list of highly recommended restaurants in each port.

 

I bring sanitizing wipes and wipe down all the door handles, phones, remotes, faucets and desktops etc in our cabin. I even wipe down the furniture on the balcony. We avoid getting into crowded elevators. We will just let them pass and wait until we can get in one by ourselves. When taking the stairs we try to avoid touching handrails. We use our elbows on the elevator buttons. I bring the sanitary wipes to the casino and wipe the buttons on the slot machines. We are mindful about touching things. We wash our hands frequently and use hand sanitizers whenever we pass a dispenser.

 

In the ports we bring hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes ashore. We usually take private excursions or hire a driver to avoid being stuck in a bus with loads of people. We are more likely to take an open air bus than opt for a bus with AC. On board we spend most days relaxing in our cabin or out on the balcony. We participate in very few of the activities, which is fine. After 54 cruise we have been there and done that in the past, ad nauseum.

 

We cruise to get away from our busy lives and to spend quality time together relaxing, not to socialize or make new friends. So, don't ever expect us at a CC Meet and Greet. We do not shake hands with anyone.

 

Call us crazy, but in spite of seeing and hearing lots of people blowing their noses and coughing up a lung, we managed to escape without even a sniffle on our last 5 cruises.

If I felt I needed to resort to the above strategies to avoid getting a cold, I would either stop going on cruises or I would put up with the cold. Edited by billco
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If I felt I needed to resort to the above strategies to avoid getting a cold, I would either stop going on cruises or I would put up with the cold.

 

I know! :rolleyes: Their HAZMAT suits must take up a lot of room in the suitcase, too. :D

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If I felt I needed to resort to the above strategies to avoid getting a cold, I would either stop going on cruises or I would put up with the cold.

 

Nevermind the cold, what about a mosquito bite that might transmit one of the rather nasty fevers?

Folks should face facts, that travel, especially outside of one's own country and therefore coming into contact with a load of strangers and diseases not endemic in one's own country could mean contacting something one might not have if one had not travelled.

Statistics though would indicate that the majority travel with no adverse health consequences.

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I bring sanitizing wipes and really wipe down all touchable surfaces in our cabin..remote, light switches, drawer pulls...I am usually very healthy, but my DH will get a cold in 2 minutes. We work in the school system and he has already had 2 colds...I have not had a cold or flu in 2 years...even traveling..(although we both got sick on our return from Africa- still not sure why)and we wash and use hand sanitizer where ever and when ever it is available...

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The problem the OP has to deal with is that breathing is the most unhealthy activity we engage in.

 

On the other hand, not breathing is not a very sensible strategy for staying healthy. :D

 

Indeed and I presume all those folks who "sanitise" their cabins do the same in all the very public areas and transportation systems they use to get to their cruises.

A cruise ship is probably the cleanest public environment one could ever be in.

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I've been sick twice related to cruising. Once was food poisoning from my last land-based dinner. The other time, my DH picked up some upper respiratory thing that turned into bronchitis for both of us. He was sick pretty soon, I got sick after six or so weeks of him coughing in my face at night while we slept.

 

I'm a nurse. I have (or had) a pretty good immune system. I do inhaled steroids for a lung condition now, so not so sure about that. I do wash my hands on a regular basis and use sanitizer as a second choice. I'm careful, but not paranoid. Being paranoid would take all the fun out of life. I rarely get sick, but when I do, it's fast and pretty bad. DH is the opposite--he builds up slowly, but takes forever to get to the same point I get to in a hurry.

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If I felt I needed to resort to the above strategies to avoid getting a cold, I would either stop going on cruises or I would put up with the cold.

 

For some people who travel, getting sick will prevent them working on their return home and they lose income over it.

 

I have seen sickness on cruise ships far too many times to be complacent about it.

 

Time is money, cruises cost money, excursions cost money. If you get sick and cant enjoy then you have lost and wasted money.

 

Sadly some people who are sick travel when they should be at home. Also the cabin stewards do not have the time to wipe down every surface in the cabin with the meticulous care that a passenger can do.

 

People who do wipe down every surface in their cabin are actually helping people like you to not get sick by their vigilance to help stop the spread of germs and diseases.

 

You should be thanking them for their contribution to public hygiene as health and hygiene effects everyone.

 

So in theory people who clean things themselves could have cleaned up germs, preventing themselves and others they meet catching a travel bug and you criticise them for it???

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time, my DH picked .

 

I don't know what this means or why people keep writing the letters D and H but seriously it looks offensive and the moderators really need to filter out and ban that word.

 

Some people take the letter D to represent a part of the male anatomy while the letter H to represent the word Head.

 

Can people please stop using this combination. It looks crude and offensive and it in poor taste.

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