Winter vomiting bug surge

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging people with the “winter vomiting bug” to help limit the spread of the virus to vulnerable patients after an upsurge of outbreaks in the region.

During the first three weeks of January, more than 50 residential and care homes across the North West reported outbreaks of diarrhoea and vomiting to health protection units, suspected to be caused by norovirus. Over the same period 16 hospitals in the region, including Rochdale Infirmary, reported similar outbreaks.

Norovirus is a highly infectious virus which thrives in settings where large numbers of people congregate, such as schools, hospitals and care homes.

Patients with norovirus are asked to recover at home and stay away from GP surgeries, hospital Accident and Emergency units and residential care homes.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: “We are in the midst of norovirus season which runs throughout the winter months. Norovirus is an unpleasant but generally short-lived illness from which most people recover naturally within two to three days with rest and by drinking plenty of fluids.

“As there is no particular treatment for the virus, we strongly advise patients to limit its spread by staying away from their GP or hospital. If the symptoms persist, or appear to be getting worse, they should phone NHS Direct or request a telephone consultation with their GP.

“We also advise people with the infection not to visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes and to stay away from work or school until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.”

Professor Syed stressed that good hygiene was the key to avoiding the infection and preventing its further spread.

He added: “Making sure you wash your hands after visiting the toilet, before and after handling or preparing food and before eating is crucial.

“Contaminated surfaces should be thoroughly disinfected after a bout of illness and food preparation should be avoided until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared.”

The NHS Direct number is 0845-4647.