Protect yourself and others from 'winter vomiting'

It has reached the time of year when norovirus infection, or 'winter vomiting' becomes commonplace and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging people with symptoms not to visit their GP surgeries or hospital Accident and Emergency Units.

Ruth Philp, Nurse Consultant with the HPA’s Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, said: “Norovirus illness is unpleasant, but it is short-lived and people usually recover in anything from 12 to 60 hours without treatment, other than rest and the replacement of fluids."

The advice has been supported by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health said: “For most people, this is a self-limiting illness and I would encourage people with symptoms to stay at home, look after themselves and avoid spreading this to others who are more vulnerable.”

The highly contagious infection can spread rapidly when it gets into close-knit communities such as hospitals, residential care homes, schools and workplaces. That is why the Health Protection Agency is strongly advising people with symptoms not to visit environments where they might spread infection to others. It is especially important that they do not seek treatment in hospitals or GP surgeries where they could introduce the infection to more vulnerable patients.

Ruth Philp continued: “In the vast majority of cases there is no reason for someone with 'winter vomiting' to be in hospital. They 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 that should be the case, they or their family, friends or carers should telephone their GP service or NHS Direct for advice.”

The NHS Direct number is 0845-4647.

Norovirus infection is the most common gastro-intestinal infection in the UK, affecting 600,000 to one million people every year.

HPA North West has produced a resource pack for use by health professionals dealing with norovirus outbreaks. The pack contains a norovirus fact sheet, a public information poster and template letters with advice for GPs, District Nurses, Residential Care Home staff and schools.

The Agency is also stressing that there are measures that people can take to protect themselves, their friends and families from 'winter vomiting' and to avoid introducing it to schools, workplaces and health and social care establishments.

The advice is:

Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after toilet visits and before eating.

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

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 hospitals 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 Unit. Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment. It is, however, important to drink plenty to replace lost fluids. If symptoms persist, phone NHS Direct or your family doctor for advice.

The pack also contains advice and information on the most effective and safest ways of disinfecting contaminated surfaces after someone has been ill.