Public Health Director warns against Winter Vomiting Disease

Sheila Will, Director of Public Health for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust’s (HMRPCT) Director of Public Health is reminding residents who fall victim to winter vomiting disease that pharmacists can help them tackle the unpleasant symptoms.

Winter vomiting disease affects around 1 million people in the UK each year and can affect people of all ages. Symptoms include nausea, sickness and diarrhoea. Some people may have a fever, headache or aching limbs. Symptoms normally last from 12-60 hours and most people make a full recovery within 1-2 days.

Sheila Will, Director of Public Health for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, said: “There is no specific treatment for winter vomiting disease apart from letting it run its course. Drinking plenty of water will help to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent dehydration. The very young and the elderly should take extra care if infected, as dehydration is more common in these age groups.

“Adults may wish to use an anti-diarrhoea medicine that can be bought over the counter, to minimise disruption to lifestyle and trips to the toilet. The safest and most effective anti-diarrhoea medicines contain loperamide; you can ask your pharmacist for this. Never give anti-diarrhoea medicines to babies or children, as some may have dangerous side effects. The important thing is to ensure that you replace your fluid loss, even if you opt to take this medication.”

Norovirus is easily passed from one person to another. It can be spread by contact with an infected person, by contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water. It is more likely to spread in enclosed areas where people have a lot of contact, such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

Ms Will added: “To prevent others from becoming infected, good hygiene is important. You should wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, and thoroughly clean any contaminated surfaces with disinfectant. If you develop the infection you should avoid preparing food for others until three days after your symptoms have gone altogether.

“Also, if you are planning to visit a friend or relative in hospital then please check with the ward first – the last thing anyone wants to do is bring infections into our busy hospitals. If possible avoid visiting until you have been free of symptoms for 2 days.”