Norwalk Virus season is here!

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The Norwalk Virus is the stomach flu by land at sea.  Nobody wants to go on vacation and get sick, but IT happens. 

We hear year after year how hundreds of people get sick while on vacation.  Especially when it occurs on a cruise ship.  Yes, it is tragic as these people lose out on a fun and relaxing vacation that they planned and worked hard towards.

The purchase of Travel Protection insurance is a valuable asset during this season.

Sadly those passengers who are showing symptoms or have been around someone who had been ill are carriers.  A sore throat, runny nose, or a headache are hardly just cause not to go on vacation, but these could be symptoms to something even bigger.

If you are at home with the onset of symptoms, a visit to the doctors is not unwarranted.  If your doctor says its the flu or a highly contagious virus, please stay home.  Notify your professional travel planner and supplier of your situation.  Be sure to get a statement from your doctor stating that you are sick and are unfit to travel.  This documentation will be required by both the travel supplier and insurance company.

With the purchase of Travel Protection insurance, unforeseen illnesses such as the flu are covered by most policies, and you and your travel partners will be fully reimbursed.  Without insurance, you risk of losing your and your travel partner's  entire investment and enjoyable vacation. 

Due to the confines and close proximity to fellow passengers on a cruise ship, it is easy for illnesses to spread.  The cruise lines do everything that they can to prevent the onset and spread of illness.  They thoroughly clean the rooms, and sanitize everything. Continually cleaning public areas, the handrails, and elevators on a regular basis throughout the duration of the cruise.

It is important that you, as a passenger do your part. 

1)  Purchase Travel Protection insurance.  This will protect you and your investment against illness prior to and at the time of travel.  With most insurance policies you will be fully reimbursed due to illness.  It will be necessary to get a statement from the doctor that states that you are ill and with what.  It will also cover your expenses of seeking necessary medical attention while traveling.

2)  Answer the questionnaire given to you at the time of embarkation or travel honestly. 

3)  Wash your hands frequently.

4)  Use the hand santizers provided by the cruise lines and resorts at the entrance of every dining room and public venue.

5)  At the onset of illness, take necessary precautions.  The gift shops sell products such as Tylenol and  cold remedies.

6)  Drink lots of healthy fluids such as water, juices, tea, and soup.

7)  Should symptoms persist, or increase in severity, seek medical attention.  All cruise ships, and most resorts, have medical doctors on staff/call.  A visit to or by one of these individuals can be costly.  Travel Protection insurance will cover your expenses.  Make sure you document everything, and have copies on hand to support your claim.  Need help seeking medical assistance, call the insurance company.  They are their to help and guide you.

Nobody plans on going on a vacation to be sick.  Nobody intentionally goes on a vacation to get others ill.  The purchase of Travel Protection through your professional travel planner or travel supplier is worth its weight in gold when the unforeseen happens.

Happy Travels!

Your profession travel planner and advocate.