Stay away and don’t spread winter sickness bugs

Public Health England

As winter gets underway residents across the North West are urged to stay at home if they are suffering from seasonal sickness or diarrhoea.

As norovirus – also known as the “winter vomiting bug” - is starting to circulate across the North West, PHE wants to remind anyone experiencing symptoms to stay at home and not visit hospitals, care homes, schools or other community settings until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours, to help limit the spread of norovirus.

People who have had norovirus are still infectious up to 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped which is why it’s important not to go to work or school or visit hospitals or care homes while you have these symptoms and for two days afterwards.

Typical symptoms of a norovirus infection include: 

• The sudden onset of projectile vomiting
• Watery diarrhoea
• Some people also experience headaches, mild temperature and stomach cramps

There is no treatment for the virus but it is important to keep hydrated to combat the loss of fluids. Most people will recover within a few days and there are no long-term effects. 

Anyone who thinks they have winter vomiting should telephone NHS 111 for advice. They should avoid going to hospitals or their GP surgery as they can spread it to other patients and staff.