No More Pre-Cruise Testing for Vaccinated guests on voyages less than 6 nights starting August 8th!

[Ret MP]

3 hours ago, jerseygirl3 said:

When you got flu in your cruise in 2008, did they do a rapid test in the Medical Center to confirm influenza and what type?  My husband does have some pre-existing conditions, but the Medical Staff seemed to be treating everybody who came to be checked the same.  This occurred right before the pandemic hit, on our last cruise (February 2019).  He started running a fever, body aches, and cough on the 7th night of our 12 night sailing.  We stayed in the cabin that evening (and darn, it was formal night!!).  In the a.m. his temp was almost 103, so we immediately went to the Medical Center when they opened.  They told us they would be testing him for influenza.  They said he came back positive for Influenza Type A. They said anybody who tests positive for Influenza must be quarantined until they are fever free for 24 hours.  Apparently there were a lot of flu cases on our sailing, but they never told us how many (I asked :).  We did not have to change cabins, and I was allowed to roam the ship, but they did put me on Tamiflu prophylactically (we were both flu vaccinated; I never caught it, and hubby had a much milder case).   Hubby was also put on Tamiflu.  The doctor and a nurse came to check on him twice a day (they said this was normal protocol) to take his vitals.  They told him he could order anything he wanted from room service, but honestly he had no appetite.  The cabin attendent was not allowed inside our cabin, so every day I would put dirty linens outside our door in a red bag and the cabin attendent would leave clean ones. 

 

On the last day of the cruise, we were told to stay in our cabin until the general population of passengers had debarked, and they would come and escort us off the ship.  Seeing how many people were being escorted, I would guess there were probably about 80 passengers who had contracted flu on that sailing.  I've often wondered if it could have been Covid and since testing wasn't available that early on, did they just tell us it was Influenza?  The odd thing is that the couple of months prior to that cruise, during the height of flu season, where I work (I'm a nurse), we didn't see any flu (and that was before masking or any other mitigation).  Typical flu season is late October to late March.  I can count on one hand how many we had, despite testing.  I think Covid was here that winter before we all realized what it was.  

 

We were never given a bill, although I did tell them we had travel insurance.  Thankfully, hubby felt fine by the time the cruise ended, and was able to drive us home from Baltimore to New Jersey (I hate driving!!LOL).

 

BTW, I did not take your questions as being argumentative 🙂

 

 

No, to my knowledge I've never been tested for the flu, pre-post Pandemic.  I just "assume" it was the flu, I had all the symptoms, I know because it was on the Internet 😄.  It was kind of strange as I NEVER get the flu, again pre-post pandemic and I never get the flu shot, except once and that was years later.  I never went to the medical center as my wife who packs for just about every contingency had OTC cold/flu medications.  I self quarantined, although back then we just called it "staying in bed", for a couple days, had room service bring whatever I wanted/needed, which wasn't much.  It wasn't, by far, the worst sickness I've ever had.   

 

Just to clarify:  When I say I never get a flu shot, that's as of about 1988.  I didn't get the flu shot after (except for that one time) that because I was tired of getting the flu.  Yes yes yes, I know that the medical community say that you can't get the flu from the flu shot.  But, strangely enough, I got the flu after just about every flu shot.  So, when I say "Never" my time for this subject starts circa 1988.

Edited July 31, 2022 by Ret MP

[jerseygirl3]

3 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

No, to my knowledge I've never been tested for the flu, pre-post Pandemic.  I just "assume" it was the flu, I had all the symptoms, I know because it was on the Internet 😄.  It was kind of strange as I NEVER get the flu, again pre-post pandemic and I never get the flu shot, except once and that was years later.  I never went to the medical center as my wife who packs for just about every contingency had OTC cold/flu medications.  I self quarantined, although back then we just called it "staying in bed", for a couple days, had room service bring whatever I wanted/needed, which wasn't much.  It wasn't, by far, the worst sickness I've ever had.   

 

Just to clarify:  When I say I never get a flu shot, that's as of about 1988.  I didn't get the flu shot after (except for that one time) that because I was tired of getting the flu.  Yes yes yes, I know that the medical community say that you can't get the flu from the flu shot.  But, strangely enough, I got the flu after just about every flu shot.  So, when I say "Never" my time for that subject starts circa 1988.

Being a nurse, I always pack a “pharmacy” to take with us. But when hubby’s temp reached almost 103 even with Tylenol, I figured it was time to see a doctor. 
 

I do get a flu shot every year, and in the past 30 years I’ve gotten flu twice (once from a kid I was swabbing for a flu test and he gagged and spit  in my face and 15 min later he tested positive for flu; 3 days later I tested positive for flu; no surprise there). But both times I got a much milder case than the first time I got flu without a flu shot and felt like death for 10 days. 

[smokeybandit]

The flu shot is one of the least effective vaccines out there, rarely over 50% efficacy.

[Ret MP]

8 minutes ago, jerseygirl3 said:

Being a nurse, I always pack a “pharmacy” to take with us. But when hubby’s temp reached almost 103 even with Tylenol, I figured it was time to see a doctor. 
 

I do get a flu shot every year, and in the past 30 years I’ve gotten flu twice (once from a kid I was swabbing for a flu test and he gagged and spit  in my face and 15 min later he tested positive for flu; 3 days later I tested positive for flu; no surprise there). But both times I got a much milder case than the first time I got flu without a flu shot and felt like death for 10 days. 

Yep, 103 and ^ is some serious 💩. One thing we didn't have was a thermometer.  So, I don't have a clue.  But, I didn't feel as bad as I've heard other people say they felt during the flu.  No, it wasn't great, however.  

 

It's funny, I never got the flu after stopping getting the flu shot, except that once.  I get three COVID jabs and I get COVID up to 3 times.  Go figure!

[Ret MP]

14 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

The flu shot is one of the least effective vaccines out there, rarely over 50% efficacy.

Not only that, they are guessing up to 3 years in advance as to what strain will be hitting us, at least that is what it used to be like, not sure if they have gotten any better now.  It's a scientific guessing game.  

[BND]

18 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

The flu shot is one of the least effective vaccines out there, rarely over 50% efficacy.

What it can do (and did for me) was lessen how severe my symptoms were the one time I've had it in the 25 years I've received the vaccine.  I was exposed to two people, one with type a and one with type b at a NYE party, both turned out to be pretty sick and I had a very mild case three days later.   My boss experienced the same when he caught it.  His Dr told him that he sees more mild flu cases in those that are vaccinated and almost no secondary infections.  Both times I had full blown flu before I started getting vaccinated I had pink eye after one and sinusitis after the second.  With the milder case, I just had the  mild case, nothing after.  So, it's true it doesn't prevent flu in at least half, it does help prevent complications.

[Ravensfan1973]

On 7/28/2022 at 10:06 AM, joysea said:

We seldom do less than a 7 night cruise so this is not great news.....Can't see why they just didn't stop all testing for vaccinated and boosted passengers.  People are all getting tested now before cruising and people are still getting Covid on the ships so why not just stop testing for all fully vaccinated and fully boosted passengers!

It needs to end for all including unvcaccinated

[rudeney]

2 hours ago, Ret MP said:

Just to clarify:  When I say I never get a flu shot, that's as of about 1988.  I didn't get the flu shot after (except for that one time) that because I was tired of getting the flu.  Yes yes yes, I know that the medical community say that you can't get the flu from the flu shot.  But, strangely enough, I got the flu after just about every flu shot.  So, when I say "Never" my time for this subject starts circa 1988.

 

Almost all vaccines will temporarily weaken your immune system.  You aren't getting the flu from the vaccine, but because of it.  I had the same issue the last time I got a flu shot in the early 90's.  I had a very bad reaction, and then ended up with some strain of a horrible viral infection that was very difficult to fight off.  It's the sickest I've ever been. I spent days in bed, became totally dehydrated and ended up in the hospital for two nights on IVs.  It would have been a third night, but it was Christmas Eve so they begrudgingly let me out.  Since I had never had the flu, and really only get a mild head cold once every 2-3 years, the doc told me that I probably should not get future flu shots.  

[SargassoPirate]

I've had reasonably smart people tell me that caught a cold from getting cold.  

[Ret MP]

1 hour ago, rudeney said:

 

Almost all vaccines will temporarily weaken your immune system.  You aren't getting the flu from the vaccine, but because of it.  I had the same issue the last time I got a flu shot in the early 90's.  I had a very bad reaction, and then ended up with some strain of a horrible viral infection that was very difficult to fight off.  It's the sickest I've ever been. I spent days in bed, became totally dehydrated and ended up in the hospital for two nights on IVs.  It would have been a third night, but it was Christmas Eve so they begrudgingly let me out.  Since I had never had the flu, and really only get a mild head cold once every 2-3 years, the doc told me that I probably should not get future flu shots.  

LOL.  Whatever!  I don't get a flu shot regardless, it make me sick because of it or from it.  LOL

[Ravensfan1973]

On 7/30/2022 at 6:03 PM, BND said:

Ours all do.  DH gave blood this morning at a church and had to wear one.  All medical facilities require them.

Mine doesn't and I wouldn't wear one if it did.  I'd walk out.

[FamilyCruiserUK]

4 hours ago, Ravensfan1973 said:

Mine doesn't and I wouldn't wear one if it did.  I'd walk out.

Wow, so you would rather not do a vital public service and donate much needed blood just to satisfy your selfishness of not wearing a mask for like 20 mins. Unbelievable but not surprising anymore. Thankfully not everyone thinks like you and there should be blood if you ever need it.

Edited August 1, 2022 by FamilyCruiserUK

[zap99]

13 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

The flu shot is one of the least effective vaccines out there, rarely over 50% efficacy.

This winter I'll ask for one shot in each arm. 2x50%. That should do it.🤔

[BND]

6 hours ago, Ravensfan1973 said:

Mine doesn't and I wouldn't wear one if it did.  I'd walk out.

Aren't you altruistic.  Sometimes it's not about you.  It's not about masks when donating blood. He also did the double blood donation where they take twice the red blood cells and return the plasma, etc back.  It takes longer so he voluntarily sat there for a while wearing a mask, you know because it's a good thing to do.  

[BND]

10 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

I've had reasonably smart people tell me that caught a cold from getting cold.  

Many still believe that.  While being cold can temporarily lower your immunity, it doesn't cause a cold.  

Edited August 1, 2022 by BND

[BND]

12 hours ago, rudeney said:

 

Almost all vaccines will temporarily weaken your immune system.  You aren't getting the flu from the vaccine, but because of it.  I had the same issue the last time I got a flu shot in the early 90's.  I had a very bad reaction, and then ended up with some strain of a horrible viral infection that was very difficult to fight off.  It's the sickest I've ever been. I spent days in bed, became totally dehydrated and ended up in the hospital for two nights on IVs.  It would have been a third night, but it was Christmas Eve so they begrudgingly let me out.  Since I had never had the flu, and really only get a mild head cold once every 2-3 years, the doc told me that I probably should not get future flu shots.  

Actually, vaccines do they opposite.  They activate your immune system.  Your anecdotal experience proves nothing about vaccines.  All it proves is you had a reaction and then caught something different than the vaccine was for.  I've been getting the flu shot for 25 years and the only reaction I've ever had was a slightly sore arm.

[mpdog42]

3 hours ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

Wow, so you would rather not do a vital public service and donate much needed blood just to satisfy your selfishness of not wearing a mask for like 20 mins. Unbelievable but not surprising anymore. Thankfully not everyone thinks like you and there should be blood if you ever need it.

I guess that's how you define "Vital Public Service".Mine is Police, Fire, Ems, medical and being in the Military!!!

[easyqueasy]

3 hours ago, FamilyCruiserUK said:

Wow, so you would rather not do a vital public service and donate much needed blood just to satisfy your selfishness of not wearing a mask for like 20 mins. Unbelievable but not surprising anymore. Thankfully not everyone thinks like you and there should be blood if you ever need it.

It’s also unbelievable that in my area they announce they’re in need of blood donations but will reject anyone not vaccinated from donating, vital as it may be. 

[smokeybandit]

1 minute ago, easyqueasy said:

It’s also unbelievable that in my area they announce they’re in need of blood donations but will reject anyone not vaccinated from donating, vital as it may be. 

Clearly it's not that vital then

[rudeney]

3 hours ago, BND said:

Actually, vaccines do they opposite.  They activate your immune system.  Your anecdotal experience proves nothing about vaccines.  All it proves is you had a reaction and then caught something different than the vaccine was for.  I've been getting the flu shot for 25 years and the only reaction I've ever had was a slightly sore arm.

 

I guess there are those odd people like me who can't handle the flu vaccine for whatever reason.  Ironically, I have an extremely good immune system as I rarely get sick.  In terms of vaccines and the immune system, I could go into that, but I am sure this thread would then get shutdown.  And BTW, I am NOT against vaccines at all.

[SargassoPirate]

1 hour ago, easyqueasy said:

It’s also unbelievable that in my area they announce they’re in need of blood donations but will reject anyone not vaccinated from donating, vital as it may be. 

I wonder what the science behind that one is?   

[BND]

16 minutes ago, SargassoPirate said:

I wonder what the science behind that one is?   

More than likely it dates back two years and has to do with fear of potentially exposing others to the virus.  

[BND]

So, we got off EN on Thursday so 4 days ago.  Several symptomatic cases posted on FB including a couple of family members of friends we were all traveling with.  DH and I feel perfectly fine.  Our youngest son who did not cruise with us is on day 4 from symptoms and testing positive and starting to feel better.  His worst symptoms were day 1 and 2.  No real temp, but headache,  chills, congestion, exhaustion and food tasted off for a couple of days.  He can go back to work when he tests neg and his symptoms are gone so probably a day or two more.  He just retested positive this morning.  He started with symptoms on Thurs night. His wife is still neg.  He's had three shots, she's had four (both 36 yrs old but she is higher risk due to meds she takes).  My point is, at this point pre-cruise testing makes some people feel good, but I don't think it really makes a difference.  As I've said before, the only way to really prove it is to sail a number of ships without testing and the same number with over the same number of days and then test everyone as they get off.  Even that doesn't prove where someone caught it.  You'd literally have to isolate people for a week or two, then sail to nowhere, then test as they left the ship.  There are too many variables in play.

Edited August 1, 2022 by BND

[Charles4515]

4 hours ago, BND said:

Actually, vaccines do they opposite.  They activate your immune system.  Your anecdotal experience proves nothing about vaccines.  All it proves is you had a reaction and then caught something different than the vaccine was for.  I've been getting the flu shot for 25 years and the only reaction I've ever had was a slightly sore arm.

Same here, flu shots for 40 years and the worst reaction was a slight sore arm. 

[not-enough-cruising]

1 hour ago, SargassoPirate said:

I wonder what the science behind that one is?   

There isn’t any