Spending a day in isolation

[Judyumcer@aol.com]

Lottie is a physician. Knows what she is talking about. Myself, I think anyone who suspects they are ill should be required to wear a mask while wondering around the ship. Those that have N,V & D need to go to the medical center. My husband got a fever, chills on the Grand Princess. I didn't get get it but was given tamiflu anyway. He was confined to the suite & a nurse came 2 x/day to check his temp. When he recovered; the crew did a terminal clean in the suite. They take it very serious!

 

 

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[pvkatmom]

I am so appreciative of Doctor Lottie's taking the time to post so much information and professional advice regarding sickness aboard. My husband and I have been lucky so far and have never gotten sick... but will now take Lottie's precautions. And the putting Vick's Vaporub on the soles on one's feet I'd never heard of, but will do so, next time I have a cough. Thanks again, Lottie, people like you are what make CC such an invaluable resource! Oh, and I also learned via these threads, to bring a bevy of OTC or even prescription meds to treat various ailments that may arise for our December 2016 Journey trip (Singapore, Indonesia, Bali), just in case... I used to, but have gotten lax.

One thing we do which may've helped prevent us from getting sick (besides washing our hands a lot and not touching our faces) goes to Lottie's comment about all the bad microbes in the air after someone sneezes (10 meter infection range-- yikes!) is that we almost never take the elevator (such a small enclosed space)-- we use the stairs. But, I realize that using the stairs maybe isn't an option for those with mobility issues.

Edited October 24, 2016 by pvkatmom
forgot something

[nordski]

I am so appreciative of Doctor Lottie's taking the time to post so much information and professional advice regarding sickness aboard. My husband and I have been lucky so far and have never gotten sick... but will now take Lottie's precautions. And the putting Vick's Vaporub on the soles on one's feet I'd never heard of, but will do so, next time I have a cough. Thanks again, Lottie, people like you are what make CC such an invaluable resource! Oh, and I also learned via these threads, to bring a bevy of OTC or even prescription meds to treat various ailments that may arise for our December 2016 Journey trip (Singapore, Indonesia, Bali), just in case... I used to, but have gotten lax.

One thing we do which may've helped prevent us from getting sick (besides washing our hands a lot and not touching our faces) goes to Lottie's comment about all the bad microbes in the air after someone sneezes (10 meter infection range-- yikes!) is that we almost never take the elevator (such a small enclosed space)-- we use the stairs. But, I realize that using the stairs maybe isn't an option for those with mobility issues.

 

 

Agree totally!

 

Lots of food for thought in her posts and in the related discussions. Thanks to her in particular and to all who have participated.

 

And thank you for the elevator suggestion. I have always used the stairs, in the no doubt fruitless attempt to avoid some weight gain, but always struggle with not touching the railings with my hands. You've provided an extra reason to make the effort.

 

The Vicks Vaporub suggestion is certainly interesting but, in dealing with a cold, I'll give it a try.

 

 

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[Ebeth63]

Agree totally!

 

Lots of food for thought in her posts and in the related discussions. Thanks to her in particular and to all who have participated.

 

And thank you for the elevator suggestion. I have always used the stairs, in the no doubt fruitless attempt to avoid some weight gain, but always struggle with not touching the railings with my hands. You've provided an extra reason to make the effort.

 

The Vicks Vaporub suggestion is certainly interesting but, in dealing with a cold, I'll give it a try.

 

 

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I have also used Vick's to relieve the itching from an insect bite. It works!

 

 

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[Lottie A]

You are all very welcome.

 

Interestingly, three of the most microbe laden places on a ship are the lift buttons, the phone in your cabin and the keyboards in the IT room. Not as one would think, the public toilets. These are cleaned very often using bleach.

 

However just as a general point, the best way to fight an infection is the strength of your own immune system and exposure to bacteria and viruses are essential in building this up, particularly in childhood. I practically never get a cold or cough because I have been exposed every day to most strains of these illnesses and so my own strong immune system can fight off most infections.

 

That being said, I could go into work tomorrow and pick up a new, mutated virus from a patient. It would be pointless and potentially lead to viral antibiotic resistance to prescribe me antibiotics as they only work for bacterial infections. Then when I really needed antibiotic treatment to combat a serious infection, they may not work for me.

 

Robin, that is why the Azamara ship's doctor was completely correct in not prescribing antibiotics for your sinus infection. I am very fond of Ruby and Philip but they are not doctor's! The doctor onboard was doing what is correct medical procedure.

Sometimes patients want us to prescribe antibiotics for an infection thinking they will get better faster, but this is not the case with a viral infection. Sinusitis is a viral infection. It is is also a fact that virus resistance to antibiotics is becoming a real problem and this is due to overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, usually to placate patients who demand them, when we medics know they won't work. Time and treatment of the symptoms is all we can do. You probably would have recovered at exactly the same time scale without the medication because that is the time it naturally took your body to fight the infection off.

 

Sinus infections are usually, but not always, secondary to a cold virus and get better of their own accord within a week or two. Mild pain relief and a decongestant to treat the unpleasant symptoms are usually prescribed. Perhaps this is what the doctor in The Mall of Asia prescribed for you?

 

Anyway, the Cruise Critic morning surgery is closed now and I'm off to make myself a coffee! :)

[upwarduk]

Interestingly, three of the most microbe laden places on a ship are the lift buttons, the phone in your cabin and the keyboards in the IT room. Not as one would think, the public toilets. These are cleaned very often using bleach.

 

I would add the Casino to this list. All those buttons and handle/ arms etc. I'm not sure whether they are cleaned with wet wipes, but so far we have avoided infections on cruise ships and we don't go into the casino.

Edited October 24, 2016 by upwarduk

[comas]

TV remote controls anywhere !!

 

 

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[Wendy The Wanderer]

... It would be pointless and potentially lead to viral antibiotic resistance to prescribe me antibiotics as they only work for bacterial infections. Then when I really needed antibiotic treatment to combat a serious infection, they may not work for me.

 

Robin, that is why the Azamara ship's doctor was completely correct in not prescribing antibiotics for your sinus infection.... The doctor onboard was doing what is correct medical procedure.

Sometimes patients want us to prescribe antibiotics for an infection thinking they will get better faster, but this is not the case with a viral infection. Sinusitis is a viral infection. It is is also a fact that virus resistance to antibiotics is becoming a real problem and this is due to overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, usually to placate patients who demand them, when we medics know they won't work.

...

 

Thanks so much for underlining this serious and dangerous misconception. I don't know how many times some friend has told me about going to the doctor to get antibiotics for some cold or flu. I've given up trying to dissuade them; it just seems to be a type of magical thinking (sorry folks.)

[BBMacLaird]

I've received word from both a Sr VP and from our Ship Captain that this problem was NOT norovirus. There were never more than 2-3 cases reported at any given day.

 

One insight provided by the Captain is that there had been one very hot port-of-call where many guests showed symptoms of dehydration, followed by the few GI cases.

 

As a precaution anyway, while in Dubai the ship personnel performed a Barrier cleaning, which involved a complete washing-down of the ship with a special solution that kills all virus, including noro, with the help of electrostatic sprayers.

[CYNSport]

I've received word from both a Sr VP and from our Ship Captain that this problem was NOT norovirus. There were never more than 2-3 cases reported at any given day.

 

One insight provided by the Captain is that there had been one very hot port-of-call where many guests showed symptoms of dehydration, followed by the few GI cases.

 

As a precaution anyway, while in Dubai the ship personnel performed a Barrier cleaning, which involved a complete washing-down of the ship with a special solution that kills all virus, including noro, with the help of electrostatic sprayers.

 

Thank you for the update.

 

Cynthia

[Lottie A]

Bonnie, it's good to know it wasn't Norovirus this time. Also good to know that Johannes ordered a complete cleaning of the ship anyway. I know he is very proactive in the battle against this unpleasant GI condition.

 

Hopefully those affected by dehydration due to their gastric illness are recovering now.

[ellbon]

Lottie

 

Missed the post that you wrote me back. I call it sinus but since the meds i got from a real ENT showed improvement in 2 days i am not sure what it was. my checks, ears and head hurt. i got to the point i could not deal with any shows as my ears hurt more from the speakers in there and in the old LG. Once i was on meds i was in time able to go back into see a show.

 

I do realize if i get to many meds my body will not heal as i am use to them. but this went on over two weeks. i was not in ports that had good drs to Manila.

[florisdekort]

Just wanted to report 'live' from Journey that all is normal. We boarded on time and everything is as it should be (the buffet is self service, etc.).

 

Floris

 

 

 

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[lisiamc]

I've received word from both a Sr VP and from our Ship Captain that this problem was NOT norovirus. There were never more than 2-3 cases reported at any given day.

 

One insight provided by the Captain is that there had been one very hot port-of-call where many guests showed symptoms of dehydration, followed by the few GI cases.

 

As a precaution anyway, while in Dubai the ship personnel performed a Barrier cleaning, which involved a complete washing-down of the ship with a special solution that kills all virus, including noro, with the help of electrostatic sprayers.

 

Thanks for the update! This tallies with what I was heard/felt/was told onboard. What I had, whilst very unpleasant, didn't seem like Noro to me. (I'm definitely not a doctor, but I've had Noro once, quite a few years ago, and never want it again!). I hope the next cruise is free of all such problems.

[hrhdhd]

An interesting article on noro:

 

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/01/02/the-norovirus-a-study-in-puked-perfection/

 

(Don't eat right before you read it. ;) )

[BBMacLaird]

Bonnie, it's good to know it wasn't Norovirus this time. Also good to know that Johannes ordered a complete cleaning of the ship anyway. I know he is very proactive in the battle against this unpleasant GI condition.

 

Hopefully those affected by dehydration due to their gastric illness are recovering now.

 

Thank you LottieA for all the advice you've provided on this thread. And on a personal note, the day I read your suggestion of Vicks rubbed on the feet I was sick in bed (México) and had just found the old jar of Vicks for my chest cold. I read the comment with interest and wondered how the feet could cure the chest cold. But I tried it anyway and almost immediately found my body temperature rising. Long story short, it seemed to work! I'm back up and around, walking the cobblestones :)

[BBMacLaird]

Just wanted to report 'live' from Journey that all is normal. We boarded on time and everything is as it should be (the buffet is self service, etc.).

 

Floris

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Thank you Floris for the live update. I'm so glad all is normal. This special LCV Voyage has been in the works for so long I'd hate to see the fun spoiled by a bug! Enjoy yourself :)

[BBMacLaird]

Thanks for the update! This tallies with what I was heard/felt/was told onboard. What I had, whilst very unpleasant, didn't seem like Noro to me. (I'm definitely not a doctor, but I've had Noro once, quite a few years ago, and never want it again!). I hope the next cruise is free of all such problems.

 

Thank you, lisiamc, for letting us know you're well again. We look forward to welcoming you back aboard soon!