Monday, February 11, 2013
Many areas of the U.S. are reporting a decrease in the number of severe flu syndromes over the past week but another threat appears to be sticking around. There are continued concerns that stomach flu may accentuate the end of flu season by accounting for several more hospitalizations and death. But ...
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Very informative article, thank you. I'm going on a cruise in a few weeks. Is there something I can do to keep from getting sick, if someone else starts having stomach flu symptoms?
Thanks for your question Andrea.
I’m glad you are thinking ahead. Your question is timely considering the news headlines last week from the Gulf of Mexico. Outbreaks of any type of flu on cruise ships may be disastrous for those on board. For this reason many cruise lines have strict staff policies addressing hand washing, cleaning and disinfection.
That said, frequent hand washing cannot be over emphasized, especially before eating. Seasonal flu is more deadly than stomach flu so get your flu vaccine if you haven’t had one. If someone gets sick while on the cruise they should be evaluated by the ship’s doctor and isolated if they have flu like symptoms or symptoms of stomach virus (Norovirus). Of course you would not have control of this process if someone else was sick.
I suggest you only eat off your own plate, avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils, and carry wet wipes for cleaning surfaces if needed, before you contact them.
Have a great time on your cruise. I know they can be very relaxing.
Best Wishes,
J. Thompson, M.D.