People with “winter vomiting” should not visit GP surgeries or A & E Units

4 November 2009

The Agency is also urging people with the winter vomiting bug not to visit friends or relatives in hospitals and residential care homes and to stay away from work or school until they have fully recovered and been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director, HPA North West, said: "Norovirus is the most common cause of gastro-intestinal infection in the UK with up to one million cases recorded every year. It is particularly common in the winter months and we are currently picking up reports of cases throughout the region.

"Norovirus infection is an unpleasant but short-lived illness from which the majority of people, even the frail elderly, will recover in 12 to 60 hours without treatment other than rest and taking drinks to replace lost fluids. However, it is a highly infectious illness that spreads rapidly when introduced to close-knit communities such as hospitals, residential care homes, cruise ships, schools and work places.

"If swine flu continues to spread and we start to see outbreaks of normal seasonal flu as winter draws in, NHS services could come under severe pressure from time to time. That is why it is more important than ever for people with winter vomiting not to visit GP surgeries or hospital Accident and Emergency departments.

"People with symptoms should stay at home, ensure that they pay particular attention to hand-washing and avoid contact with others. If symptoms persist the patient should ring NHS Direct for advice or arrange a telephone consultation with the family doctor."

The NHS Direct number is 0845-4647.

 The Agency's advice for preventing the spread of norovirus infection is:

• Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after toilet visits 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 to the establishment.
• Do not visit your GP surgery or local A&E Unit. Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment. It is, however, important to take plenty of drinks to replace lost fluids. If symptoms persist, phone NHS Direct or your family doctor for advice.

Notes to editors

As stated in the press release, Norovirus infection is the most common cause of gastro-intestinal illness in the UK, affecting between 600,000 and one million people every year. Because this illness is more prevalent in winter months, it is often referred to as "winter vomiting."

The symptoms are severe vomiting, fever and sometimes diarrhoea. Transmission is from person-to-person and the infection spreads easily amongst people who reside or work in close proximity, such as in hospitals, residential care homes, schools and cruise ships. As stated in the press release, people with norovirus symptoms should avoid visiting such communities.

Information on norovirus infection is available on the website:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/norovirus/menu.htm

Press release issued by Hugh Lamont, HPA North West Communications Manager. Tel: 0151 482 5728 or 07764 906508.

Ends

Last reviewed: 4 November 2009