Would you report a stomach ailment while on cruise?

[Medtech2]

Having had norovirus twice, I know the symptoms and what it feels like. Believe me, if it strikes, there will be no doubt in your mind. It is not a gradual thing. It hits immediately and once it starts you will not want to leave your cabin (or be more than 10 feet away from a bathroom) for at least 24 hours.

 

That being the case, I would not report to the infirmary, but would have my DH bring me plenty of liquids.

 

After the first 24 hours, I may venture out of the cabin for fresh air, consuming very little, not touching anything, and constantly using hand sanitizer.

 

If you experience anything other than I have described above, you probably do not have norovirus.

Is fever involved? Because that would definitely point to an infection...i have never had this virus but I have had reactions to food...

[4774Papa]

Two Sundays ago I boarded the Epic and felt fine when I signed the health form upon boarding. On Monday I started feeling a little sick to my stomach and for the next 3 days I suffered very mild nausea, severe gas and diahhrea. Now I noticed on the front of one of the Dailies that if you have any stomach ailments they ask that you report it to the ship doctor and quarantine yourself to you cabin.

 

My question is who would voluntarily report a stomach ailment and quarantine yourself?

 

Now although I was pretty uncomfortable at times, I wasn't running to the bathroom and I did go to bed early a few nights because I wasn't feeling well. I was diligent with washing my hands as always and using the sanitizer whenever I passed one but there was no chance that I would report my condition to the cruise ship and be quarantined on my vacation.

On our Russian River cruise this August, several of our passengers, including DW had something similar to what your described, and the ship's doctor provided some medication that helped. If you have your own meds, you probably don't need to report.

[DMH15]

My thoughts are, if you feel sick whether it is a cold or gastro, you should stay in the cabin and have room service or have someone bring back a plate of food. Often people think they are being sanitary but they cough into their hands or touch their face and then pick up tongs or salt and pepper. My mom got sick on the Jewel after someone sat next to her at dinner who was sick (told us), sneezed and handed her the bread basket. She missed 3 foreign ports. Even though we moved to another table, the damage was done. Perhaps if this man had stayed in his cabin my mom would have remained healthy on that cruise.

 

I write this from my bed. My co-worker came to work Wed & Thurs and now I have the crud she had! So instead of going about my business I will stay home instead of passing it on to others.

 

I know it is not gastro which was what the OP was asking about, but sick is sick. It is a bummer to be sick on vacation. And it is a bummer to be quarantined, either by self or not... But it is appaling to be sick and to expose it to other pax because you don't want to miss out. And if enough people pass on their germs it becomes an outbreak and people start talking about a sick ship.

[qmaureen]

With norovirus, aka viral gastroenteritis, you might feel better after a day or two, but you are still contagious... usually three days after. Being in confined places, it is a crap shoot (pun intended).

 

Wash your hands. Don't get run down.

 

That's it. There is no vaccinations, there is no medication to prevent nor clear it up. It is a virus.

 

If you suspect you have it, drink, drink, drink - and not the daily special. I carry hand sanitizer in my pocket and use it. It doesn't help if you don't use it.

 

Just be considerate and don't get others sick if you have it. Be informed, be prepared, and stay healthy.

[davesgirl51]

Two Sundays ago I boarded the Epic and felt fine when I signed the health form upon boarding. On Monday I started feeling a little sick to my stomach and for the next 3 days I suffered very mild nausea, severe gas and diahhrea. Now I noticed on the front of one of the Dailies that if you have any stomach ailments they ask that you report it to the ship doctor and quarantine yourself to you cabin.

 

My question is who would voluntarily report a stomach ailment and quarantine yourself?

 

Now although I was pretty uncomfortable at times, I wasn't running to the bathroom and I did go to bed early a few nights because I wasn't feeling well. I was diligent with washing my hands as always and using the sanitizer whenever I passed one but there was no chance that I would report my condition to the cruise ship and be quarantined on my vacation.

 

I have become ill and I have reported, been quarantined and will do so again. To not do that is very selfish and inconsiderate as it is so contagious. JMHO.

[jakesnana]

Is fever involved? Because that would definitely point to an infection...i have never had this virus but I have had reactions to food...

 

Did not have a fever either time. As I said earlier, if you get this virus, you will know it. There would be no question in your mind.

[cruiser12]

Two out of 32 cruises taken, not bad but was I ever the sick one --- to the point now I have to have at least a balcony --- fresh air--- clean out cabin --- So please if you do not feel well do not take the chance go see the doctor--- it could be something very serious -- you never know ---

 

I was so sick -- the infection lasted for a month--- --- dehydration --- etc.

Do you really like contaminating others? We can always take another cruise---

[camz]

Common courtesy is essential! I wish more people were germ conscious, maybe not to the extent that I am, however, germ conscious none-the-less.

[arenafan]

Depends on the circumstances.

[nbsjcruiser]

Have to be honest, if I had what you had, probably not. If it was worse then ya maybe.

[pacruiseaddict]

A couple of years ago my daughter and family were on NCL( daughter's 6th NCL cruise) to Bermuda (during the time of Swine Flu scare)

My then 5 yr old grandson developed a high fever during the night of the 3rd day. My daughter ALWAYS brings along Children's Tylenol for just such emergencies (GS sometimes runs high fevers when very excited!!) Anyway, this time she forgot it. The had to take him to infirmary at 2AM. Just wanted tylenol...The Dr insisted on testing ALL four for swine flu. Even demanded that my granddaughter (sleeping in another room with friends) be awakened and tested. GS's test came back positive....My daughter (an elementary school teacher) argued that 1) these tests are only about 40% accurate and 2) she knows her own son and knew that fever would come down immediately with tylenol.....Long story longer: they were all put on medication even though no-one had any symptoms and no one else had tested positive.

After being charged $500, they were ALL quarentined in their INSIDE cabin...UGH...

A lovely young lady from Guest Services showed up at around 9am and moved them to a balcony cabin...and requested that they not share this info with anyone. She said that upon returning home she should contact NCL and they would provide some type of reimbursement (HA HA HA HA)

My grandson, of course, was 100% by this time and no one else even had a sniffle BUT the remained in quarentine for the rest of the cruise!! DOCTORS ORDERS

To their credit, NCL treated them like visiting royalty; providing room-service for ANYTHING they wanted for meals, sending random snacks, books, magazines and movies....the young lady visited each day and encouraged them to ask for anything at all.

On disembarkation day, they were escorted off the ship by NCL employees as soon as the ship docked!!..

Needless to say, they have not sailed again since...Four healthy people stuck in a cabin for 4 days does not enhance the cruising experience!!!!

The only person my daughter blames is the Doctor!!! He over-reacted by testing them...and then had no choice but to place them in quarentine. the fact that my granddaughter was dragged into it when she hadn't even been in the cabin was just way too overdramatic!!

Anyway, no messages or letters were ever answered by NCL...

I asked my daughter what she would do if it happened again; Her reply: she would NEVER leave home without tylenol...

Would she cruise NCL again...YES....as soon as she recovers from the trauma LOL

[Kim Fontaine]

You speak of NCL: A few years ago this happened to my husband on a Carnival cruise: He will not even look at one of their cruises: He was treated badly at the infirmary and quaritined for 3 days: The really bad part was room service had no appropriate food to offer: He wanted toast and broth when he started feeling better... They offered grill cheese sandwiches and eggs: I had no such illness . He still feels it was food poisoning from A FISH DISH HE WAS SERVED THE FIRST NIGHT ON BOARD: i didn't eat the fish:

We always take bonine and Pepto now when we cruise or have a land vacation:

[weltek]

Count me in the "No, but I'd quarrentine myself" camp. I think if I had something that lasted more than two days, or was more severe, I'd go to the doc and report it. Luckily, I've never had more than and "I'm full and/or drank too much" sickness on board. :D

[nikimouse]

No I wouldnt want to have to pay out for the doctors bill so would suffer in my cabin by myself

[newmexicoNita]

Two Sundays ago I boarded the Epic and felt fine when I signed the health form upon boarding. On Monday I started feeling a little sick to my stomach and for the next 3 days I suffered very mild nausea, severe gas and diahhrea. Now I noticed on the front of one of the Dailies that if you have any stomach ailments they ask that you report it to the ship doctor and quarantine yourself to you cabin.

 

My question is who would voluntarily report a stomach ailment and quarantine yourself?

 

Now although I was pretty uncomfortable at times, I wasn't running to the bathroom and I did go to bed early a few nights because I wasn't feeling well. I was diligent with washing my hands as always and using the sanitizer whenever I passed one but there was no chance that I would report my condition to the cruise ship and be quarantined on my vacation.

 

I think I would have done pretty much what you did. It sounds more like you had something other than the true Noro virus. I do think I would have spent one day in the cabin if nothing else.

 

Nita

[leekel619]

After reading this thread, no I would not report myself. I bring OTC meds and we never need them. Also there's no sickness like seasickness. Take Bonine before you leave the port on embarkation day! Like a few hours before you leave. It takes awhile to really kick in. And then take it when you go to bed that first night at least. And again the next day!! (Especially if you aren't sure you'll get motion sickness.) Its non drowsy.

 

I hope I didn't jinx myself.

 

These are interesting questions and answers. And we're a minority of cruisers responding here on CC.

 

Chances are, at least a few out of a thousand each week have something going on medically and contagious. That's why we all have to wash our hands often and NEVER touch our face!! Especially eyes, nose, or mouth!

[Je2ter]

That's a big fat NO

[gooch47]

I was quarantined in my cabin on our Princess Amazon River cruise a couple years ago. I was SO sick and immodium didn't help. I ended up being diagnosed with bacterial diarrhea and only after taking antibiotics did it finally clear up.

 

But ... if I just have a slight upset I am not going through that again. I started a thread a few days ago about wondering if my previous bouts with "Norovirus" were really gall bladder attacks. I think I'll adopt a "wait and see" attitude from now on.

[leekel619]

I was quarantined in my cabin on our Princess Amazon River cruise a couple years ago. I was SO sick and immodium didn't help. I ended up being diagnosed with bacterial diarrhea and only after taking antibiotics did it finally clear up.

 

But ... if I just have a slight upset I am not going through that again. I started a thread a few days ago about wondering if my previous bouts with "Norovirus" were really gall bladder attacks. I think I'll adopt a "wait and see" attitude from now on.

 

Ouch. You must have been miserable. In a case like that I can see your need for medical attention.

But yeah, I'm with you on the 'wait and see'.

 

I hope I never get sick enough on a ship to be tempted to make a trip to the medical area!!:eek:

This thread really has me disturbed. I even had a bad dream this morning that my DH had a bronchial thing going on the day we were to board and I couldn't get in touch with a doctor for some cough medicine. In the dream I was threatening him he BETTER not cough when we're getting our picture taken for the key card.

The whole quarantine thing got to my nerves. The expense. The spies..."security will be watching...don't leave the room....we'll call often to check...."

I bet they throw you in jail if you break out of quarantine. I'm scared. Weirdly too, because neither of us have ever been sick on a cruise and we've been on many!

[leekel619]

That's a big fat NO

 

lol. Me too!

[gooch47]

FYI, all of my visits to the infirmary have been paid either by my own medical insurance and/or the travel insurance we always buy. I've mentioned that to people on board different ships before and was surprised that some people didn't think about using their travel insurance and were also sure that their personal insurance would never pay.

 

On the Amazon trip, my personal health insurance paid for all but $25 of it. The travel insurance probably would have covered that, but it wasn't worth the hassle.

[leekel619]

FYI, all of my visits to the infirmary have been paid either by my own medical insurance and/or the travel insurance we always buy. I've mentioned that to people on board different ships before and was surprised that some people didn't think about using their travel insurance and were also sure that their personal insurance would never pay.

 

On the Amazon trip, my personal health insurance paid for all but $25 of it. The travel insurance probably would have covered that, but it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

Did you have to pay upfront and be reimbursed? We always get the insurance, but we've never had to use it. Knock on wood.

[gooch47]

Yes, you do have to pay and then file a claim. You first have to try your personal insurance and if they don't pay then the travel insurance kicks in.