Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea and is often referred to as the winter vomiting bug. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, surfaces and close contact with infected individuals. For most people this is an unpleasant, short-lived illness and they make a full recovery within 2 to 3 days without needing any medical treatment, however for some groups that are supported within Health and Social Care (young children, elderly and those with a weakened immunity) they are at higher risk. Stopping the spread of infection is key and is this blog we look at what you can do to help prevent the spread.
Symptoms of Norovirus
Symptoms typically appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can last for 1 to 3 days. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Fever
- Muscle pain
Norovirus activity in England has been notably high, with laboratory reports in recent weeks more than double the five-season average. You can read more about this
here but here are our top ten tips on actions you can take:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, after coming into contact with a sick individual and before handling, preparing and eating food.
- Do not rely on alcohol gels instead of washing your hands, as these do not kill the virus.
- Ensure proper cooking of food and thorough washing of fruits and vegetables.
- Clean surfaces with bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces.
- Keep infected individuals isolated to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at 60°C using disposable gloves to handle any items.
- Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions can be beneficial for those at higher risk of dehydration.
- Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- Stay off work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.
- Try not to visit A&E or GP surgeries if you have symptoms of norovirus unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this may spread the bug to others. Call ahead to a GP or ring NHS 111 if you are worried about your symptoms.
Norovirus is a continuous challenge in health and social care settings due to its high contagion and impact on vulnerable groups. By recognising symptoms and implementing effective prevention and management strategies, health and social care colleagues can help mitigate the impact of norovirus outbreaks.
Further information is available at NHS 111 or at the NHS website here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/)
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