Topic: 'Nasty' cruise ship bathrooms linked to vomiting virus

At the end of a recent cruise we sat with a couple at lunch, and as we talked we were informed that the lady had: had the Norovirus and had been confined to cabin, I think she said twice? in the cruise.
Anyway while she talked, I noticed that her hands were nervously touching her face and mouth all the time, and that must be another very easy way to pick up a virus or any other form of infection.

QUOTE:

Some ships have a paper towel bin next to the door so you can use the towel over the handle when opening the door, it is then simply just a case of holding it open with your foot while disposing the hand towel in the adjacent bin.
I am not sure how many ships have this set up.

I have found this hygienic system, of bins outside the ladies toilets , on the Oriana and there was no sickness on board this cruise in May 2010. It is easy to use a tissue to open toilet doors and then wash your hands and use a second tissue to open the main door, with the bin outside to dispose of tissues. Notices had been put on the doors as a reminder. Much better than having the sickness virus and ruining the holiday. I wish I did not have to hand my pass to crew every time I got on and off the ship. Another way to pass on some germs.I could put the pass code in the machine myself.

QUOTE:

At the end of a recent cruise we sat with a couple at lunch, and as we talked we were informed that the lady had: had the Norovirus and had been confined to cabin, I think she said twice? in the cruise.
Anyway while she talked, I noticed that her hands were nervously touching her face and mouth all the time, and that must be another very easy way to pick up a virus or any other form of infection.

To have had it once is unlucky, twice

I understood that you were OK for about 4-6 months after,

A kind of immunity, I have found no facts to back it up

I think I may have made an excuse and slipped away :o

They already exist - Purell and Milton both produce handgels that claim to be effective against norovirus (the Purell one isn't the same as the previous alcohol one they used to produce). Anything containing benzethonium chloride (which includes some wipes such as Wet Ones) should be effective.