If you're looking to board a plane or hop on a cruise, the latest reports on hantavirus and norovirus may have you on edge, but infectious disease specialists say there are some common sense steps you can take to help you stay healthy.
"Number one is always good hand hygiene. Number two is if someone is obviously sick, stay away from them. And number three is if you are sick, stay away from other people," said Dr. Donald Dumford with the Cleveland Clinic.
Norovirus and hantavirus outbreaks on cruise ships raise alarms. Here's what you need to know
Dr. Suman Radhakrishna, an infectious disease physician, adds that you shouldn't board a plane or hop on a cruise ship if you're feeling under weather.
While no one wants to cancel travel plans, doctors say it's the responsible thing to do if you start to feel sick before you leave.
But if you fall sick while traveling "see if you can reliably quarantine yourself, such as if you're on a cruise ship, stay in your cabin, maybe sit outside on your balcony," Dr. Radhakrishna said.
Veteran travelers say before you get on a plane, it's a good idea to pack these items: hygienic wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, plastic bags for garbage that can also serve as a receptacle for sickness. And food service gloves are always good for sticky situations such as handling fruit.