Tips on preventing the spread of the “winter vomiting bug”

12 October 2009

As the winter months are approaching, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) is urging the public to assist limiting the spread of Norovirus - the "winter vomiting bug" - by ensuring good personal hygiene to limit the spread of the infection to others.

Norovirus occurs during the winter months with cases usually start to appear during autumn, peaking during January. Norovirus is the most frequent cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales and typical symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea and nausea.

Professor Yi Mien Koh, Chief Executive at Hillingdon PCT, said:

"Norovirus affects people of all ages. Most people recover quickly within 24 to 36 hours and it is easily transmitted from one person to another but immunity to it is short-lived.

"Norovirus infection thrives in semi-closed environments where large numbers of people congregate, so schools, nursing homes, hospitals and cruise ships are most affected. If the infection is brought into hospitals it can have a severe impact on hospital services as wards may need to be closed."

Dr Margie Meltzer, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at the North West London Health Protection Unit, said:

"There is no specific treatment for the illness. If you have winter vomiting you should rest at home and drink plenty of fluids. If diarrhoea and vomiting are very severe and persistent, you should seek medical advice.

"When you and others are ill, personal hygiene must be good, particularly hand-washing before eating and after visiting the toilet. Anyone who is ill and should avoid contact with others if possible to avoid spreading the virus and should not return to work or school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

"The winter vomiting bug is generally a mild short-lived illness and the majority of people usually recover within 2-3 days. However, if symptoms persist you should phone your family doctor or NHS Direct, the 24-hour health advice service on 0845 46 47."

The HPA also strongly advises that people with winter vomiting should not visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes and should stay off work and away from school until they have been completely free of symptoms for 48 hours. This is to prevent further outbreaks and cases of the infection.

Tips for containing and limiting the spread of winter vomiting:

• Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at al times, but particularly after toilet visit 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 into the establishment
• Do not visit your GP surgery or local A & E Unit as you will recover naturally without treatment
• Ensure you drink plenty of fluids
• If symptoms persist, phone your family doctor for advice or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Media enquiries to Pamela Shabi, HPA London at pamela.shabi@hpa.org.uk or 020 7759 2824.
 

 

Last reviewed: 12 October 2009