5 (Super) Contagious Illnesses to Watch Out for During Summer Cruises and Travel

Are you planning a cruise? While the promise of adventure and relaxation is tempting, the confined spaces and close quarters of a cruise ship can be a breeding ground for illnesses. This guide explores the top 5 illnesses that passengers may experience while on a cruise ship and offers helpful advice on how to avoid getting sick and what to do if you do.

1. Flu and Other Respiratory Illnesses

Flu and other respiratory illnesses spread easily in crowded and enclosed spaces. Cruise ships are perfect environments for these viruses because passengers come from all over the world, bringing different strains with them. The shared spaces and activities increase the risk of transmission. Precautions: To reduce your risk, get a flu shot and the latest COVID booster at least two weeks before your trip. Wearing high-quality face masks, especially in crowded indoor areas, can also help reduce the spread. Additionally, washing your hands frequently and carrying a list of medications in case you need medical care on board are good practices.

What to Do After Catching It?

If you catch the flu or another respiratory illness, isolate yourself in your cabin to prevent spreading the illness to others. Seek medical attention on board for appropriate treatment and stay hydrated, resting as much as possible to aid your recovery.

2. Measles

Even though it’s rare, measles can still occur on cruise ships. This highly contagious virus can linger in the air for hours, making it easy to spread in confined spaces. Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals are at higher risk. Precautions: Ensure your vaccinations for measles are up to date. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine are about 97% effective. (sources) Also, check if other routine vaccines are current before traveling. Maintaining good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of measles can also help reduce your risk.

What to Do After Catching It?

To stop the virus from infecting others, isolate yourself if you have measles. Get proper care and advice from a medical professional as soon as possible. Rest and drink fluids to aid your recovery.

3. Norovirus

Norovirus is known for causing severe gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting. It’s highly contagious and can survive on surfaces for long periods, making it a common problem on cruise ships. The close living quarters, shared bathrooms, and common dining areas on cruise ships make it easy for norovirus to spread. Precautions:To prevent infection, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Hand sanitizers aren’t effective against norovirus, so rely on soap and water. Additionally, clean personal areas thoroughly and stay hydrated. Avoid touching high-contact surfaces like doorknobs and railings when possible.

What to Do After Catching It?

Remain inside your cabin if you get the norovirus to stop the infection from spreading. For diarrhea, take over-the-counter drugs such as loperamide (Imodium) and consult a doctor when traveling. Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to prevent dehydration, which can be a serious concern with norovirus.

4. Burns and Bites

Sunburns and insect bites can be more than just annoying; they can lead to serious health issues. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, while insect bites can spread diseases like malaria and dengue. Precautions: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and reapply regularly to prevent sunburn. Apply insect repellent, especially when at ports, to avoid bites. Wearing protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves can also help protect against sunburn and insect bites.

What to Do After Catching It?

If you get sunburned, apply aloe vera or burn ointment to the affected areas. For insect bites, use anti-itch cream or antihistamines. Seek medical help if burns or bites become severe or show signs of infection.

5. Seasickness

Motion sickness can ruin the fun of your cruise. It causes dizziness and nausea, making it hard to enjoy the experience. This happens when the movement seen by your eyes differs from what your inner ear senses. Precautions: Talk to your doctor about taking medications like antihistamines (Dramamine) to prevent seasickness. Staying in lower levels of the ship where there is less movement can help, as well as drinking water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

What to Do After Catching It

Try to find a calm, steady spot on the ship to lie down and close your eyes if you feel seasick. Take prescribed or over-the-counter medications as needed and focus on the horizon to help your inner ear and eyes synchronize. Staying hydrated is also important to reduce symptoms. Conclusion Cruise ships offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, but they also present certain health risks due to their crowded and enclosed environments. The flu, norovirus, measles, seasickness, burns, and insect bites are common concerns. By taking proactive measures such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and using sun protection and insect repellent, you can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick. Understanding what to do if you catch one of these illnesses is equally important. With the right precautions and knowledge, you can enjoy your cruise adventure while staying healthy and safe.