Health Tip: Taking a Cruise?

Don't be the one to spread germs

(HealthDay News) -- Each year, millions of passengers embark from North American ports on cruise vacations.

Traveling on cruise ships exposes passengers to contained quarters and lots of other people. This means conditions may be ripe for transmission of germs, either from contaminated food or water, or more commonly through person-to- person contact.

The National Center for Environmental Health suggests these tips to help prevent the spread of illness:

  • Wash your hands -- before and after eating or smoking; after touching your face or going to the bathroom, and when your hands are simply dirty.
  • Leave the area if you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea). Report the problem to cruise staff, if they haven't already been notified.
  • Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Resting helps rebuild your immune system. Drinking water helps prevents dehydration.
  • Be considerate of other people's health. If you're ill before taking a cruise, call the cruise line to determine if you can reschedule, and if there are alternatives to losing your deposit or fare.
Nancyann Rella

Related Articles

Learn More About Sharp
Sharp HealthCare is San Diego's health care leader with seven hospitals, two medical groups and a health plan. Learn more about our San Diego hospitals, choose a Sharp-affiliated San Diego doctor or browse our comprehensive medical services.

Health News is provided as a service to Sharp Web site users by HealthDay. Sharp HealthCare nor its employees, agents, or contractors, review, control, or take responsibility for the content of these articles. Please read the Terms of Use for more information.