Cruise, Coughs, and a Crash Course in Immunity
- Laura Turley
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
I just returned from what was supposed to be a refreshing getaway at sea… only to spend the following week flat on my back with a miserable respiratory illness. What began as a little pressure in my chest quickly turned into the full package: head and chest congestion, body aches, fatigue, and a fever that had me under the covers more than I was out of them. Sleep became my main activity, and while I’m usually good at self-care, this bug knocked me right out.
Looking back, I should have known better. Cruises are like floating cities, and with thousands of people sharing the same air, dining spaces, and door handles, germs are bound to hitch a ride. I thought my usual wellness routines would be enough, but this experience has shown me there’s always room to improve my immune support.
Here are a few things I could have done better, i.e., my crash course in immunity:
Hydration, hydration, hydration. I don’t drink alcohol (which is dehydrating), but I bought the water package, so I thought I had been drinking enough. But I was several hundred miles closer to the equator, and it was HOT! I should have known to increase my intake, and I could have added some more electrolytes. My bad. ☹ A well-hydrated body is better equipped to flush out toxins and support healthy immune responses.
Better sleep before the trip. I boarded already a little run down, and my immune system was probably already compromised (hence, the NEED for a vacation!). Prioritizing rest leading up to travel could have helped me stay more resilient.
Daily immune support. Vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics aren’t cure-alls, but consistent use can give your system an edge. I was inconsistent at best.
Hand hygiene vigilance. Yes, I washed my hands—but not nearly as often as I should have. On a ship, surfaces are touched by hundreds of people every hour. Regular washing (and keeping sanitizer handy) can make a big difference. Note to self: DON’T USE THE HANDRAILS.
Fresh air breaks. This I did well as I was on deck more than I was indoors, but still….it got me.
Will I take another cruise? You bet I will! But, for now -- lesson learned: the next time, I’ll take better care of my defenses before and during the trip. And hopefully, instead of writing about a week spent in bed, I’ll be sharing the highlights of my adventures instead.