Cruise ships place large numbers of people in relatively close quarters. Even on a large cruise ship, passengers are close enough in proximity for communicable diseases to pass easily from one person to another. Older cruise passengers are at higher risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as flu or Legionaire's disease. Here are some basic precautions that can help:
- Use plenty of soap and water when washing your hands. Wash them frequently and keep hands away from your face. Carry a disinfectant handcleaning product to use if soap and water are not handy.
- Avoid uncooked foods, drink only bottled water, and do not eat cooked food if it has cooled enough to reach room temperature.
- Drink a lot of water and avoid drinking too much alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect.
- Protect against sunburn.
- Use only safe-sex practices, if sexually active onboard.
- Avoid close contact with passengers who appear visibly ill.
- Make sure you get sufficient sleep.