Question about Norovirus and Self Service Laundry

[Nightowl11]

If the ship is in Code Red for Norovirus or if anyone on the ship has the norovirus, do they close down the self service laundry facilities? I was just wondering if people brought their dirty "norovirus" covered clothing/undies to the laundry facilities, then wouldn't they infect all the washers and dryers because they were touching everything - touching the clothes, then touching the handles and knobs, etc? I'm not sure how washers work, but does all the water from the previous wash get eliminated from the washer, doesn't some stay beneath the basket area therefore getting the virus on the next batch of clothing?

 

I was just wondering if people not infected with noro should even use the laundry facilities on the ship.

[Keith1010]

We have never experienced the laundry facilities being closed due to an outbreak of Norovirus.

 

Keith

[John Bull]

Someone with noro is going to touch one helluvalot more things & surfaces on the ship than just the washing machines. ;)

 

Best way to avoid noro is washing with soap & warm water - but I guess washing powder & warm water does the same thing ;)

 

No worries :cool:

 

JB :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have been on ships when they were in Code Red.

No self service in the Lido, salt and pepper shakers taken from all tables, in the dining room the wait staff handed you bread and butter, pools were closed, library was closed, laundry room was closed. And a couple of times it was so bad that the beauty salon was closed. The casino was closed for a day while all the chips were cleaned. You were given gloves to handle cards and chips. Could even wear gloves when you went into the shops.

[cruiseryyc]

When I had noro a few years ago, they offered to do my laundry for free I guess to stop me from taking "dirty" items into the public machines.

[cb at sea]

The heat from the dryers will kill any viruses..no worries.

[Mary Ellen]

We once did a 30+ day cruise where we had around 20 days of Code Red. Yes, the self service laundry room was closed during Code Red.

Edited June 10, 2014 by Mary Ellen

[Lady Chew]

We've been on ships during Code Red, and the laundry room was closed. They ran extra laundry specials to help.

[ehfl]

I wouldn't stress about this. Stress weakens the immune system, and makes you more susceptible to the norovirus.

 

Most people are exposed to norovirus several times per year, and have built up an immunity. Unfortunately, for this virus, immunity lasts only a few months, so you need steady exposure to remain healthy.

 

It typically hits those that have weakened immune systems, including those that avoid exposure to pathogens. So the best defense is to have a strong immune system.

[wieslaw]

Hi,

you might find some interesting things about Norovirus in this link:

 

http://www.emetophobiahelp.org/norovirus.html