Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Norovirus and Holland America:
Over 100 passengers were sick at sea on the latest cruise on the Holland America Ryndam. And it isn't because of the waves, but the dreaded norovirus. News goes in cycles and it seems like two years ago, you couldn't swing a cat without hearing about the latest virus attack on a cruise ship. The news isn't as prevalent these days, but these outbreaks still happen and on a regular basis. The Ryndam herself has had four confirmed outbreaks since early 2007 of the nasty stomach bug. So why do they hit cruises so hard? There are a few reasons that these problems hit cruises, and one big way to help you avoid getting sick at sea.
Norovirus and other illnesses have "epidemic" effects on cruise ships for pretty simple reasons. The biggest reason: thousands of people share the same limited space for days at a time. The sickness is probably shared just as often at restaurants, hotels and other public places. But people generally aren't together for long periods on an airplane. The longest flights last 14 or 15 hours. In many cases, people who stay at hotels and eat at restaurants have different destinations and when sick see different doctors in different parts of the world. On a cruise, people eat in the same dining room, they are served by the same people, and see the same doctors when they are sick. Norovirus becomes an epidemic on a ship because the same doctors are able to spot the outbreak as it happens.
Is the virus lying dormant on the ship? Maybe, but that's less likely than most would think. When a norovirus is suspected, the ship is literally coated in anti-viral disinfectant. Cruise lines are aggressive in getting rid of these illnesses, because in a competitive world nobody wants have the buzz of being "Stomach Flu Cruise Line." Some passengers tell stories of how when a virus is suspected on the ship, they take away any shared items on the table. Salt and pepper shakers? Gone. The waiter will salt your dish for you to taste. Passengers are quarantined to their cabin for long portions of the cruise as to avoid infecting other passengers. Once in port, the ship is often held in port longer to disinfect cabins and public areas thoroughly before the next passengers are allowed on the ship.
If this clouds your opinion of whether to cruise or not, don't let it affect your decision. Stomach flu happens everywhere. The truth about norovirus is that it's annoying and makes you sick, but it won't kill you. It generally doesn't have any lasting effect beyond a couple unpleasant days of bowing to the porcelain gods and dehydrating the sick. But it can be avoided. The best way to fight it? Hygiene. Washing hands regularly. Using the hand sanitizer provided before and after visiting the dining rooms. Sometimes the bug still gets through, but its a fair bet that those who are careful about cleaning will stay healthy.
Norovirus and other illnesses have "epidemic" effects on cruise ships for pretty simple reasons. The biggest reason: thousands of people share the same limited space for days at a time. The sickness is probably shared just as often at restaurants, hotels and other public places. But people generally aren't together for long periods on an airplane. The longest flights last 14 or 15 hours. In many cases, people who stay at hotels and eat at restaurants have different destinations and when sick see different doctors in different parts of the world. On a cruise, people eat in the same dining room, they are served by the same people, and see the same doctors when they are sick. Norovirus becomes an epidemic on a ship because the same doctors are able to spot the outbreak as it happens.
Is the virus lying dormant on the ship? Maybe, but that's less likely than most would think. When a norovirus is suspected, the ship is literally coated in anti-viral disinfectant. Cruise lines are aggressive in getting rid of these illnesses, because in a competitive world nobody wants have the buzz of being "Stomach Flu Cruise Line." Some passengers tell stories of how when a virus is suspected on the ship, they take away any shared items on the table. Salt and pepper shakers? Gone. The waiter will salt your dish for you to taste. Passengers are quarantined to their cabin for long portions of the cruise as to avoid infecting other passengers. Once in port, the ship is often held in port longer to disinfect cabins and public areas thoroughly before the next passengers are allowed on the ship.
If this clouds your opinion of whether to cruise or not, don't let it affect your decision. Stomach flu happens everywhere. The truth about norovirus is that it's annoying and makes you sick, but it won't kill you. It generally doesn't have any lasting effect beyond a couple unpleasant days of bowing to the porcelain gods and dehydrating the sick. But it can be avoided. The best way to fight it? Hygiene. Washing hands regularly. Using the hand sanitizer provided before and after visiting the dining rooms. Sometimes the bug still gets through, but its a fair bet that those who are careful about cleaning will stay healthy.
Labels: effects of travel, health, holland america line
Sunday, January 27, 2008
This Week in Links : Best of the Web
I'm growing to love Gridskipper. Every single week, they come up with some off the wall guide that you know people want to have but are afraid to ask. This week, it's all about the best ummm... happy endings in NYC.
What are you scared of on a plane? For me, it's turbulence. For Salon's Patrick Smith, it's birds. And his fear is way more realistic than mine.
On a long trip and need to stay in shape? Vagabondish has got you covered.
What are you scared of on a plane? For me, it's turbulence. For Salon's Patrick Smith, it's birds. And his fear is way more realistic than mine.
On a long trip and need to stay in shape? Vagabondish has got you covered.
Labels: fear of flying, health, new york, travel
