Stay at Home and Avoid the Christmas Spread

15 December 2010

Public health experts are aware of an increase in the number of suspected norovirus cases across Yorkshire and the Humber in recent weeks. In the lead up to Christmas, the Health Protection Agency Yorkshire and the Humber is urging anyone with symptoms to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to other people, particularly vulnerable groups in our communities.

Norovirus, originally known as the 'winter vomiting disease', is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales, especially during the winter months when the number of cases tends to increase. The common symptoms are diarrhoea or/ and vomiting (D&V). Vomiting is often sudden and "projectile" and some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

Dr Stephen Morton, Director at the Health Protection Agency Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "We realise that people will be planning to visit friends and relatives in hospitals, care or nursing homes this Christmas, but people here are particularly vulnerable to infection. If you have symptoms of D&V, the best thing you can do to protect your loved ones is to delay any visits to these places until fully recovered." 

Public health experts are also reminding the public of the importance of good hygiene measures as the virus is highly infectious and spreads easily from one person to another, particularly in semi-closed environments like schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Although it can be very unpleasant, it's generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within one to two days.

Dr Morton added: "We know that this sort of viral gastroenteritis is around in the community at the moment. Many people don't realise how easily it is spread, and therefore just how important it is for infected people to follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet. To prevent further spread of the infection children and adults should also stay off work or school until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.

"Norovirus can affect people of all ages. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the virus, apart from letting the illness run its course and so, in the vast majority of cases, there is no additional benefit to visiting a GP or A&E department. It's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or the elderly.

"If you think you may be affected by norovirus, stay at home and use the symptom checker on the NHS Direct website, which is also available on web-enabled mobile phones.  Just go to www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect or type in mobile.nhsdirect.nhs.uk to any web browser from your mobile."

The Health Protection Agency has the following additional advice if you or anyone in your family is affected by norovirus-type symptoms:

• Follow good hygiene measures, including thorough hand-washing, particularly after visiting the toilet
• Where possible, stay away from school or work until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased.
  Drink plenty of fluids and rest to prevent dehydration.
• Make sure that any surface contaminated by vomit or faeces is thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness.
• If symptoms worsen or persist for more than 48 hours, contact your family doctor or take advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
• Delay any visits to hospitals, care or nursing homes or schools until fully recovered and don't visit people who are especially vulnerable to infection, such as elderly relatives.
• If visiting someone in hospital, even if you are well, obey the signs for hand washing before entering and after leaving wards.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Further information on norovirus can be found at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/norovirus/menu.htm

 

Issued by Charlotte Farrar
0113 284 0618
07810 684 104
Charlotte.farrar@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 5 April 2011