ask me about quarantine

[DopeyRN]

There is a REALLY wicked virus down here...mostly north of the lake and I live south but I figure it is a matter of time. Lasts a minimum of 4 days, fevers of approx 104, severe HA, stomach pains, diarrhea. I was hoping this would have all gone away by now. We leave in 4 1/2 weeks, and realistically this is a one time shot for us. I am hoping for the best...

 

[JoeFixes]

I am afraid to take my young kids on this boat. And reading your posts scare me even more. My kids DD9, DS7, and DD3 have been looking forward to this trip for a year. I desperately don't want them contracting some germ that is going to keep them locked in their room for the entire trip! Say a prayer for my kids!! And wish us luck.

 

[Michelle]

Joe, honestly, don't worry. You could get sick ANYWHERE and the sanitation procedures on the boat are extremely diligent.

Just wash your hands A LOT and have your kids wash too. The kid's programming will make sure they all wash when they enter the programming and before meals. Hand washing prevents a HUGE amount of illness and there is no reason to be concerned. Just enjoy your cruise!

 

[tezb]

you know no one seemed to mention the possibility that maybe some of the people/kids who just vomit once or twice on the ship, might be SEASICK! It is a possibility being on a cruise and especially if a child vomits while at dinner, it could be just that.

 

[AnnMorin]

Joe I would say you and your family have a better chance of contracting the virus here at home (plymouth is not that far from boston) than on the ship! when we sailed last month I made sure DS and DH washed their hands a lot and carried purell with me for all of us to use all the time. None of us got ill. But then DH had to go to Boston and must not have washed his hands before lunch because two days later low and behold he was hit hard with the virus and then two days later it was DS's turn. My point is as long as you are aware and vigulent about washing your hands you will be fine. It's when you are "comfortable" and "unconcerned" that good hygene practices are sometimes forgotten and germs get spred.
Your other option is to travel into Boston touch everything possible don't wash your hands and touch your face a lot. You will get the virus and then be immune from it for your trip .


***I AM JUST KIDDING-PLEASE DON'T THINK I AM SERIOUSLY SUGGESTING YOU GET ILL ON PURPOSE!!!***********

 

[Jeanny]

Like Anne said, don't worry, just keep washing your hands!! She's right though, it's rampant up here in the Boston area, I live down near the corner of Rhode Island, so I'm not that far from it either. There was a big front page article in the Boston Globe a few weeks ago, about how hard it hit nursing homes, day care centers, HOSPITALS. It's not just a cruise ship sickness!

My Athletic Trainers' baby got it from her day care center and then he and his wife both got it too. My boss's wife and son got it, it just "hit" her while she was getting ready for work... she's a teacher, so there you go,,,,, you can get it anywhere, even though her class has to wash their hands before using the computers and after using the computers, they still got it.

SO far, we've been lucky, I have a very good immune system and constantly wash my hands... oh and don't forget to use a clean paper towel to open that bathroom door at work!!! My personal & community health class took "samples" around my offices, fitness center (I work at a college), bathrooms, etc. You'd be surprised at the amount of people who DO NOT wash their hands after going "potty".... so knowing this, I use a paper towel to open the bathroom doors!!!!

Don't worry and relax --- have a great time!!!
Jeanny

 

[cathy59]

TDK Lisa - I am so sorry your family got sick!

I must say that I was very impressed with the measures DCL had taken to make sure people washed their hands. According to my friend's doctor, Norwalk is spread by fecal to hand contact.

In every restroom there were multiple signs asking you to wash your hands, and explaining the proper technique for hand washing.

Every time we went to the dining room, CMs were standing outside, asking that you wash your hands before entering.

Outside every buffet, CMs were handing out wipes to wash with before entering. And they served you at the buffet, instead of self serve.

At the Oceaneer's Club, the kids were supposed to wash their hands as soon as they checked in, and wash their hands again the last thing before they left.

I never once saw someone use the restroom and not wash their hands for the entire cruise!

Now, when we got off the ship and went to Kennedy Space Center and the airport, I can tell you we saw people use the restroom and not wash their hands again. it always amazes me how people can do that!

Again, I am sorry to hear you and some others got sick! We remained healthy, and I think DCL was trying to keep everything as clean as possible!