Norovirus - keep bugs at bay by staying away

NHS Wiltshire has today issued advice on how to avoid and contain norovirus infection, the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhoea at this time of year. 

Norovirus causes ‘winter vomiting', which can be a nasty experience for those affected, but which is normally a short-lived virus from which people normally recover after around 3 days. 

The condition is highly contagious unless great care is taken to contain it is taken to contain it.  For this reason, NHS Wiltshire is asking people not to visit friends and relatives in hospital if they have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu like' symptoms over the last few days.  This request is normal practice at this time of year, and helps protect patients from the risk of infection when they are already unwell. 

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire's Director of Public Health said: "We have very good infection prevention and control measures within our hospitals, but we know from past experience that we can expect to see outbreaks of norovirus infection during the winter months and we really want to limit the impact of the virus in our hospitals and other places where healthcare is provided, such as nursing and residential homes.  It's important that we take every opportunity to reduce any potential risks to patients and hospital staff because the virus inevitably leads to ward closures and staff illness, and of course it increases the risk to patients who have other serious illnesses.

"We're very thankful to staff and health care professionals, who continue to be vigilant in adhering to infection control procedures during these pressured times.  There are things that everyone can do to limit the impact and we continue to promote measures that will protect our healthcare services from the worst effects of norovirus infection.  Asking visitors to think carefully about whether they need to come into hospital if they have experienced diarrhoea, vomiting or flu like symptoms over the last few days is just one of the ways in which we have managed in previous years to minimise outbreaks" she added.

Advice to People with Sickness & Diarrhoea

People experiencing symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea can follow these simple steps to look after themselves:

• Stay away from work or school until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours

• Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital or residential care homes as there is a real risk that you would introduce the infection to the establishment

• Do not visit your GP surgery or local A&E.  Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment.  If your symptoms persist, phone NHS direct for advice on 0845 4647

• Drink plenty of clear, non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration. Water is best. If you are being sick as well, you may not feel like drinking but you should try small sips of water

• You could also have rehydration drinks. These can be bought from your local pharmacy. Always follow the instructions on the packet. Special rehydration drinks are also available for children. Rehydration drinks will replace the essential minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhoea

• Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been sumptom free for a minimum period of 48 hours

• Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly after toilet visits and before eating

• Breast and bottle fed babies should continue to be given their normal feeds (at normal strength)

• Do not drink alcohol as this will make you more dehydrated

• You should still try to eat small amounts of food whilst you are feeling sick or have diarrhoea. Try foods that are high in carbohydrates - like bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Avoid greasy or spicy foods. Foods with salt in like soups can be helpful to replace lost salts from your body

• Keep away from people who have a weakened immune system while you are unwell. These include newborn babies, older people, and people with long term illness such as cancer

• Do not drink alcohol as this will make you more dehydrated.

• You should still try to eat small amounts of food whilst you are feeling sick or have diarrhoea. Try foods that are high in carbohydrates - like bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Avoid greasy or spicy foods. Foods with salt in like soups can be helpful to replace lost salts from your body.

• Keep away from people who have a weakened immune system while you are unwell. These include newborn babies, older people, and people with long term illness such as cancer.

14th January 2010