For many travelers, February is the perfect time to take a cruise to escape winter’s cold, wet weather and gray skies. Sunny destinations such as the Caribbean and Mexico will be top cruise destinations this month for those very reasons. However, winter is also the most likely time for a norovirus outbreak, an acute inflammation of the stomach, intestines or both that can require medical repatriation services for travelers.
Norovirus outbreaks often make big news when they occur on cruise ships. In fact, 90 percent of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships are caused by norovirus. The virus is typically spread person-to-person, so close sleeping quarters, shared dining rooms, and relaxed vacation attitudes can contribute to the quick spread of the virus.
Norovirus is extremely difficult to kill because it is resistant to many different disinfectants. But there are precautions travelers can take to avoid exposure to the norovirus, as well as flus and colds that can quickly ruin a vacation.
- Wash hands regularly. Wash hands before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching surfaces other people may have touched, such as handrails and elevator buttons.
- Pack sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Wipe down surfaces such as cabin doorknobs, remote controls, faucets and countertops. When soap and water are not available for handwashing, use sanitizer instead.
- If possible, choose on-board restaurants over buffets. Cruise ships are known for their bountiful buffets, but using shared serving utensils is one way that norovirus spreads.
- Don’t share food or drinks. It’s not wise for travelers to share their food or cocktails with anyone, even family members. If one person gets sick, he or she can easily spread norovirus to others.
- Avoid public bathrooms. Most cruise lines keep their public bathrooms spotless. However, many travel experts recommend that travelers use the bathrooms in their cabins to avoid contact with others’ germs.
- Bring water from the ship ashore, and be careful where you eat. When onshore in a developing country, avoid drinks made with ice or that aren’t served in a bottle. Eat only cooked food, or fruits and vegetables you can peel.
Another concern for travelers is shipboard accidents. Such accidents are relatively rare – an average of 0.8 injuries per 1,000 passenger days, according to a 2010 study. The most common reasons for injuries were slips, trips and falls, so travelers should pay attention where they are stepping when walking inside and outside their cabins. Surfaces in cruise ships can be wet and seas can become rough. Travelers also avoid drinking alcohol to excess, which can impair balance as well as judgment.
When Medical Repatriation Services are Necessary
According to Consumer Reports, not all cruise ships have doctors on their staffs; by maritime law, ships are required only to have a crew member who has medical training. Cruise ship clinics also do not have advanced diagnostic equipment, such as MRI or CAT scan machines, or medical specialists. In the event of a serious injury, or an illness such as norovirus that complicates an existing medical conditions the best care for a traveler may be back in his or her home country. This can be achieved through medical repatriation from the nearest port.
SentinelMED provides domestic and international medical transport, medical repatriation services, and medical escorts to help navigate the complexities of long-distance travel. SentinelMED works closely with medical providers, commercial airlines, family members and travelers to arrange for safe and comfortable travel for people who are sick, have long-term health concerns, or are elderly. The SentinelMED
Medical repatriation services
team can arrange door-to-door care and transportation for patients from discharge at a hospital or medical facility to a receiving health care facility, or to a family member who is able to assume their care.
The SentinelMED team understands the complexity of delivering exceptional care to patients who need assistance during travel. Please contact us to learn more about the services that SentinelMED offers or its staff.
