Cruise: floating paradise … or virus nest? Dr. Kierzek’s advice so as not to get sick on board

Luxurious cabins, unlimited buffets, open -air pools … Consequently, Cruises are dreaming and gaining popularity each year. Furthermore, But behind this postcard decor, The liners can also be transformed into real virus incubators, warns Dr. Furthermore, Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor. In addition, Between promiscuity. Furthermore, air conditioning and sometimes approximate hygiene, the infectious risk is very real: gastroenteritis, influenza, covid or even norovirus spread there at full speed.

A field favorable to transmission – Cruise: floating paradise … virus

Why are cruises particularly conducive to contamination? Moreover, Our doctor points to several key elements which explain the rapid spread of viruses aboard these seas giants.

First. Nevertheless, there is an extreme promiscuity: on a liner, several thousand passengers live in camera, sharing the same confined spaces, restaurants, cabins, elevators, performance halls … Nevertheless, This constant brewing of people creates an cruise: floating paradise … virus ideal land for the circulation of viruses.

Added to this is generalized air conditioning, often inevitable on board. In addition, “”This system. although it is essential to comfort, dries up nasal and oral mucosa, first line of defense of the body against infections “. Above all. it promotes the air transmission of respiratory viruses such as the SARS-COV-2 or the influenza virus, which circulate more easily in a recycled air.

The unlimited buffets, emblematic of cruises are also a problem. The utensils are manipulated by dozens of hands, the food is exposed, and the areas sometimes poorly disinfected.

Finally. passengers are often confronted with a destabilization of their immune system: brutal climate change, fatigue linked to travel, jet lag, short nights … So many factors that weaken the body’s natural defenses, making it more vulnerable to infections.

The result? Simple gastroenteritis can be transformed into an uncontrollable viral outbreak, cruise: floating paradise … virus affecting hundreds of people on board in a few days. And there, the cruise is no longer having fun at all!

The 7 key tips for a virus -free cruise

Fortunately, 90 % of infections can be avoided, provided you adopt the right gestures. Dr. Kierzek recommends a rigorous routine:

1. Wash your hands frequently and correctly. That is to say using soap for 30 seconds, especially before eating, after the toilets or shared areas. Otherwise, keep hydroalcoholic gel at hand!
2. Do not touch your face. The eyes, nose and mouth are the ideal entrance doors for microbes.
3. Choose your cabin well. Opt for a room with external ventilation, avoiding air recycling.
4. Avoid crowded buffets.Prefer off -peak hours or more hygienic table service.
5. Hydrate yourself and strengthen your immunity. Drink 1.5 l of water per day, fill up with vitamin C, zinc, and cruise: floating paradise … virus rest.
6. Prepare a healthy emergency kit. Basic drugs (antidiarrheal, paracetamol), FFP2 masks, disinfectant wipes.
7. Insolate yourself from the first symptoms. In the event of fever, diarrhea or cough, go to the boat infirmary without delay.

Do not forget in your suitcase

Finally to start from a serene mind. leave your hassle on the platform, Dr. Kierzek recommends some essential health to slip into your baggage:

• Hydroalcoholic gel.
• FFP2 masks (in case of high viral circulation);
• Probiotics (for intestinal flora);
• Thermometer (to quickly detect a fever);
• And for fragile people: consult your doctor before leaving.

“Cruises remain a unique travel experienceprovided that you do not neglect hygiene rules. A simple virus can ruin several days of vacation … or contaminate a whole ship. Anticipate, protect yourself and react quicklythis is the key so that the dream does not turn in the floating nightmare. “

cruise: floating paradise … virus