Don’t let “winter vomiting” spoil Christmas

Professor Qutub Syed

Don’t let winter vomiting spoil the Christmas festivities, for you or for others. That’s the message from HPA North West as the continuing cold spell increases the risk of bugs such as the norovirus spreading in the community.

Norovirus infection, commonly known as winter vomiting, is a highly infectious but short-lived illness from which most people, including the frail elderly, will normally recover in anything from 12 to 60 hours without treatment.

It is the most common form of gastrointestinal illness in the UK, affecting between 600,000 and one million people every year. It can spread rapidly, particularly in environments where people live or work in close proximity, such as hospitals, residential care homes, cruise ships, schools and the workplace.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: “As there is no specific treatment for norovirus infection, we strongly advise people with the infection to stay at home, rest and take plenty of drinks to replace lost fluids.

“If the symptoms persist or appear to be getting worse, ask for a telephone consultation with your family doctor, but don’t visit the surgery as you are likely to pass on infections to others who may be more vulnerable than you.”

The Agency’s advice for norovirus patients is:

• Do not visit your GP surgery or hospital A and E unit. There is no treatment they can give you and you will risk infecting other vulnerable people.
• If symptoms persist, ask for a telephone consultation with your family doctor.
• Do not visit friends or relatives in hospitals or in residential care homes.
• Stay away from work or school until you have fully recovered and been free of symptoms for 48 hours
• Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after visiting the lavatory and before eating.
• Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.