NOROVIRUS SELF CARE ADVICE
(Issued March 2015)
NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG is urging those experiencing symptoms of norovirus to stay at home and to telephone NHS 111 for advice, rather than visit their local hospital or GP surgery.
Each year, it is estimated that between *600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch norovirus. The illness is sometimes called the "winter vomiting bug" because it's more common in winter. However, you can catch the virus at any time of the year.
Typical symptoms of a norovirus infection include:
vomiting
diarrhoea
There is no treatment for the virus but it is important to keep yourself hydrated to prevent fluid loss.
Dr Danny Showell, Public Health Consultant at NHS Castle Point and Rochford CCG, said:
- “Norovirus is highly contagious.
- It is spread though contact with faeces of vomit from an infected person.
- Tiny traces on the hands of an infected person or someone who has cleared up after them is enough to contaminate surface and spread infection.
- Norovirus spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes.
- Most people will recover fully within 1 to 2 days of infection.
- In the frail or those already unwell norovirus can cause significant harm.
- The virus needs to be kept out of hospital, care homes and GP surgeries.
- If you have had diarrhoea in the last 2 days you need to stay at home and telephone NHS 111 if further advice is needed.
Basic hygiene, and in particular through hand washing, is important to limit spread.
The following self-
drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
if you feel like eating, eat foods that are easy to digest
stay at home – don't go to see your GP because norovirus is contagious and there's nothing your GP can do while you have it
contact your GP to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness.
Extra care should be taken to prevent babies and small children who have diarrhoea and vomiting from dehydrating by giving them plenty of fluids. Babies and young children can still drink milk.
If you or a relative have norovirus and you want further help and advice, you can call NHS 111. For further information about norovirus, visit the NHS Choices website.