AN outbreak of the ‘winter vomiting’ bug Norovirus has prompted a warning from a public health chief.
The condition, normally a short-lived infection which most people recover from in 12 to 60 hours, is highly contagious unless great care is taken to stop it from spreading.
Dr Dympna Edwards, interim director of public health for NHS St Helens, said: “We are starting to see outbreaks of the winter vomiting bug in the community and hospitals.
“Norovirus can spread easily in places where people live or work in close proximity, such as hospitals, residential care homes and schools.
“However, there are things that people can do to reduce the risk of passing the infection on and limit the impact of the bug.”
People with “winter vomiting” symptoms can reduce the risk of passing the infection on by following this advice: • Stay at home and ensure that personal hygiene is maintained, in particular that hands are washed frequently with soap and water – alcohol hand gel is ineffective against Norovirus • Stay away from work or school until free of symptoms for 48 hours • Drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost, especially the elderly and very young. If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours people should call their GP or NHS Direct for advice.
• Clean high risk surfaces e.g. toilet seats, taps and door handles with hot water and bleach • Don’t prepare food for other people until free of symptoms for 48 hours.
• Do not visit your local A&E Unit or GP surgery. People will usually recover in a few days without treatment.
• Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital or care home as there is a real risk that you pass the infection on.
Dr Edwards added: “In the vast majority of cases there is no benefit to someone with Norovirus being in hospital.
“People with the condition should stay at home, ensure that their personal hygiene is good, particularly hand-washing, and avoid contact with others where possible.
“However, the elderly and very young can sometimes get more severe infection or become dehydrated. If you are concerned you can telephone your GP or NHS Direct for advice.”
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