Seasickness

Seasickness is the body’s response to certain types of movement. It is thought that there is a mismatch between what the brain is told by your balance system in your inner ear, and what your eyes are seeing. For example, on a boat your eyes may be telling your brain you are still, but your balance system senses that there is a rocking motion and sends that information to the brain as well. The result is a raft of symptoms that are generally not serious, although frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure.

Seasickness is not really considered a disease, and it is not something you catch. However, there are certain people who are more prone to seasickness than others, including women moreso than men and children moreso than adults. If you have had seasickness in the past you may have worse symptoms in on future trips because you expect to feel sick.

No, seasickness is not contagious.

The symptoms of seasickness can be mild to serious:

• Dizziness
• Generally feeling unwell
• Tiredness
• Excessive saliva production
• Headache
• Nausea
• Burping
• Sweating

There are some tips to avoiding seasickness you might like to try:

• Try look at a stationary object (e.g. the horizon, or something on land).
• Position yourself where you will experience the least motion (e.g. centre of a ship).
• Try closing your eyes to reduce the sensory confusion.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Get plenty of fresh air. 
• Use relaxation techniques to stay calm and relaxed.

There are also medications available to prevention of seasickness. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before you travel.