Kids And Virus On Board

[RobertsMommy]

My 5 year old son gets sick very easily. It seems like he catches every virus possbile. We are going on Disney Wonder in July and I am concerned that he will catch a virus on board and have to stay in the cabin. Do alot of children get sick onboard (virus not sea sickness)? Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to try and prevent a virus? Thanks........... Jeneen

 

[mickeyboat]

Wash hands, wash hands, wash hands.

I think it was a miracle that my kids did not get sick on our cruise in March. We all escaped healthy.

Good luck to you.

Denae

 

[CAMICKEY]

My DS5 last year had no problems and is also prone to getting sick (ear infections viruses) as well. The best advice I can give you is to have your child wash their hands thoroughly (not just run them under the water) as often as possible - but especially before eating. Hope this helps. - Mike

 

[drarill]

Hi:
I think that your son has the same chances of catching a virus on or off board. My kids didnt catch anything last year and we also took a cruise back in Nov 2002. You just have to use common sense, and the best advice is to wash everyones hands often. You can also buy the purell towells. Just remember that we dont treat viruses just their symptoms (fever with tylenol, etc.). I always bring along an antibiotic, in case they develop a strep throat or an ear infection. Talk to his doctor he knows his medical history and can give you any presctiptions he might need.
Enjoy your cruise

 

[JJsmama]

I also take hand disinfectant and "Wet Ones" everywhere my boys and I go. Whenever we leave the grocery store, school, playground, etc, I have them clean their hands as soon as we get in the car. I am not a germ fanatic ( I don't think My kids are used to it and they did not get ONE contagious virus this past school year. Every one else I know had sick kids.

I know this is not an answer to your question, but it is an idea.

PLUS, July is a very rare time for viruses, isn't it?

 

[hopelea]

I don't know if this will make you feel any better, but every child that enters the clubs has to wash their hands before they can go into the clubs. Helps cut down on a few germs anyway!!

Good luck!!

 

[krick]

We too are heading on the Disney 4 day cruise June 6th and are concerned about our 4 yr old (and us) catching a virus. It is a scary thought. I did go online to read about the Norwalk Virus and some preventive measures for it. Obviously the hand cleaning is the most important but it also said be weary of buffets and foods like salad bars and shellfish. These foods tend to be handled the most by the chefs and kitchen workers so if you see sliced fruit, etc just be cautious.

 

[Princess49]

I work with children & I am exposed to things like the stomach virus all the time-- sometimes for weeks at a time by the time it travels through the whole system. We use tons of lysol but I know the smell bothers some people- lysol makes disinfectant wipes- for surfaces. Use them on door handles & faucets- anywhere you can clean before you touch! I even use them to turn on the sinks before I wash my hands. Also, maybe get one of the fun foam soaps- it makes kids enjoy washing their hands & if you get a small enough one to carry in your bag with you you'll avoid touching those surfaces in the bathroom! Good luck & stay healthy!

 

[budwmn]

My 7 year old DS also seems to catch every virus out there. (In fact, he finally returned to school this week after missing 8 days of school due to a stomach bug which turned into a secondary sinus infection -- what joy!)

We've taken three 4-day Wonder cruises and he's never been sick. I bring a pack of the "refills" of the Clorox wipes. When we get on the plane I clean EVERYTHING he could possibly touch. Then when we get onboard the ship, I clean the entire cabin - door knobs, remote controls, table tops, light switches, bathroom fixtures, etc.

It sounds crazy, but I think it really makes a difference. We take Wet Ones and Purell with us when we're out and about the ship. He washes his hands frequently when he's in the kid's clubs.

We don't live like this at home, but it's worth it when you're spending $$$$$ on a cruise.

Good luck!

 

[Juli]

We were on the 1/31 Western this year. One of my boys caught a nasty cold when we were at Grandma's in Florida prior to the cruise. We kept him isolated and only I took care of him. Neither my DH nor I picked it up. When we boarded everyone was great, but his twin came down with something 3 days into the cruise. No vomiting or diahrea, seemed just like a bad cold. It was bothersome just the same as he just felt punky for a couple of days and stayed in the cabin. Just as quickly as he got sick he was better again.


Anyway, we took similar measures as the other posters. Constantly told our kids to keep their hands off rails and elevator buttons. We always took the stairs, so the elevators weren't a problem. I'm nutty about carrying Purell around with us wherever we go and we use it if we are about to eat and can't get to soap and water or have been touching things a bunch like in a hands--on museum, computer cafe, or kid's club. I used a product called Viro-Free all over our cabin. It kills both bacteria and virus strains. We didn't pick anything else up that cruise so I feel fortunate about that. We also make sure Vitamin C, Echineacha, and our regular Vitamins prior to travel, especially if it includes flying.

Something that made me feel really good...the Cabin Steward was using germicidal things in the cabins on a daily basis. Now I only have to worry about the toxins these release. Ha-Ha!

An aside....my DH met someone in the laundry room cleaning her childs clothes and sheets. She went on and on about her daugher having the flu. No comment either way from me other than I hoped my DH didn't use the same washer and dryer that she was using.

I am really am not a germaphobe and don't come down on others for things we get. Sometimes you don't even know you have anything and transmit it before you have symptoms. Well, maybe I am a little paranoid.

Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they Aren't out to get you.

Juli

 

[Juli]

Here I rambled on and on and didn't give you the expert advice.

My MIL is a Nurse-Epidemioligist(SP). Here is what she says. Keep your hands washed before and after you eat and through out the day. Keep your hands away from your face; mouth, nose, eyes.

That's it.

Juli

 

[RobertsMommy]

Thanks you guys for all the great tips..... You made me feel alot better......... Jeneen