Steps to protect yourself
Take steps to protect yourselfPeople in Norfolk and Waveney are being urged to take extra steps to protect themselves from norovirus and help prevent its spread through the community.
The call comes after several of the region’s hospitals closed wards after the highly contagious diarrhoea and vomiting virus affected patients. Public health officials from NHS Norfolk and Waveney are now reminding people of the steps they can take to help stop the illness from spreading, as well as what to do if they fall ill.
Norovirus, better known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. Although the illness is generally mild and people usually recover fully within two to three days, it is highly contagious and will quickly spread through enclosed areas such as schools, care homes and hospitals.
Steps which people can take to prevent norovirus from spreading include:
• practice good hygiene and wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food
• do not share towels or flannels
• disinfect any surfaces that could be contaminated with the virus using a bleach-based household cleaner
• wash any clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated with the virus separately and on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed
• flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding toilet area
• avoid eating raw, unwashed produce and only eat oysters (which have been known to carry norovirus) from a reliable source
There is no specific cure for norovirus. However, those who do show symptoms of the illness should:
• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
• take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
• eat foods which are easy to digest
• stay at home and don't go to the doctor - there is nothing they can do and you may risk passing the illness onto others
• practice good hygiene and avoid direct contact with others until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone
• avoid visiting hospitals until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone. Norovirus is more serious and even more easily spread among people who are already ill.
Jonathan Williams, an assistant director of public health at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “Norovirus is very infectious and every year it affects lots of members of our community. Although the virus is unpleasant, in most cases people do not need to see a doctor and will recover with bed rest and sipping small amounts of fluid as often as possible so that they stay hydrated.
“We would urge anyone who has symptoms to stay at home and away from others until at least 48 hours after they have recovered. That way, we can help prevent the illness from spreading to schools, care homes or to those in our hospitals who are already unwell.”
For more information on looking after yourself if you become ill with a stomach bug, visit wwwwgywpct.nhs.uk and click on the ‘germbusters’ section. Alternatively, go to www.norfolk.nhs.uk/germbusters
If you are worried about prolonged symptoms, you can contact NHS Direct on www.nhs.uk, or 0845 4647, or ring your GP. They will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as children under the age of five or the elderly.
published on 13/01/2012
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