How to Ward Off the Norovirus as a Cruise Passenger

The norovirus has made headlines recently when more than 200 people on two Princess Cruise Line cruises fell ill with the illness. The Crown Princess came back with 140 cruise goers and 18 of its crew ill while the Ruby Princess had 81 cruise passengers and 9 crew members ill. Learning more about the norovirus and how it is contracted can help you prevent catching it in crowds, like cruises.

What the Norovirus Is

According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the norovirus is a group of single-stranded RNA viruses that is plagued with gastrointestinal symptoms. Acute gastroenteritis is the main illness it causes in people. This illness is the inflammation of the intestines and the stomach. It causes the symptoms of stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also produce chills, headache, fatigue, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. Yearly it is estimated that this virus causes 20 million cases of gastroenteritis a year. That is 1 in every 15 United States residents, causing over 70,000 hospitalizations, and resulting in 800 deaths a year.

Other Names for the Norovirus

You may have never heard of the norovirus but I bet you've heard it called one of its aliases. This virus is also known as the stomach flu or just food poisoning. True food poisoning can be caused by a norovirus but typically, it is from germs and chemicals. It isn't a real stomach flu because it is not the influenza virus. These names are typically given to the symptoms but neither of them is truly correct.

How You Catch It

It is contracted by touching contaminated food, surfaces, water, or people. It is one of the leading reasons for foodborne disease outbreaks here in the United States. It can happen to anyone, no matter their race, age, or health. It only took me getting the norovirus once to learn more about it, how I caught it, and how to prevent ever getting it again. There is no vaccine against it, only preventative measures.

How to Prevent Contracting the Norovirus

• Some foods have a higher chance of being involved in a norovirus outbreak. These foods include lettuce and other leafy greens, shellfish including oysters, fresh fruits, raw foods, and any heavily touched foods.
• Being careful around these foods can help prevent the spread of the norovirus.
• Wash hands before eating, during food preparation, after bathroom breaks, and if you can't wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wash your food prior to cooking, this will help get them clean. If you are someone else is already sick, don't prepare food until at least three days after your illness is gone.
• Use an antibacterial agent to clean your countertops and wash your doorknobs with them.
• Clean linens and clothing of people who are infected or may be infected with hot water and more often than normal. If possible, wear gloves to touch the laundry.

Preventing the norovirus is the only way to not contract the illness. There will be no vaccines, procedures, or other medical aspect to keep it at bay. Keep washing your hands and drink enough fluids and look out for those that may be sick next time you are in a crowd.

Sources:

USA Today

CDC: Norovirus