Use hot water and soap, wash your hands for 20 seconds whenever your hands are dirty and you’ll be safer than you think. It was recently reported that while hand sanitizers do kill germs, soap and water are more effective for killing viruses.
Take it easy on raw foods
Fresh fruit, leafy green vegetables and raw shellfish, such as oysters, might be tricky – but then again any food that was handled after being served (even cooked) can become the cause of infection. If you have some doubts whether the food was handled properly or you see someone slightly sick, it’s best to avoid the area and choose alternative options. Generally speaking, it’s better to dine in a traditional restaurant venue and avoid the buffet lines where everyone is handling the same serving utensils. The same goes for water – always choose bottled water whether on the ship or on land.
Take good care of yourself
Just because there’s a norovirus circulating among your fellow passengers doesn’t mean you’re going to come down with it as well. Keep yourself hydrated – drink lots of water and other fluids, and get plenty of rest. A good night’s sleep is of paramount importance – when we’re tired, our immune system isn’t working at its top gears.
Discuss Your Trip With Your Doctor
Touch base with your doctor(s) and let them know you will be traveling and what areas of the world you will be visiting. There may be particular medications that will be recommended for you, and they may have an opinion about which over-the-counter remedies will be most effective for you.