THE UK Health Security Agency is urging people to help prevent the spread of norovirus in the North West as their latest data shows that people who have already had the virus could be at risk of catching it again.
The latest national Norovirus Surveillance Report shows that norovirus continues to circulate at high levels and new data has revealed a shift in circulating strains. This means you could catch norovirus more than once as you can be infected by one and will have limited immunity if you are then exposed to a different one soon after.
With NHS England North West reporting a record number of norovirus patients in hospitals across the region, health professionals are raising awareness of the symptoms of the virus and reminding people of the simple steps they can take to stop spreading the infection:
• Stay home for 48 hours after symptoms clear
• Wash hands with soap & warm water
• Don’t prepare food for others
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug (although it can strike at any time of year), is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea and also a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
The virus spreads easily through communities and so outbreaks are common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries.
For most people this is an unpleasant, short-lived illness and they make a full recovery without needing any medicine. However, some groups – including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity – are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment.
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director of UKHSA North West, said:
“Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season.
“We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised.
“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”
NHS England North West’s Regional Medical Director, Dr Michael Gregory said: “Seasonal illness including norovirus is continuing to put pressure on NHS services and it’s important we all take steps to avoid passing on infection.
Norovirus symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, usually resolve within two to three days and you can usually treat it at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You can help stop spread by washing your hands with soapy warm water.”
“NHS 111 is an excellent option for healthcare support and advice on non-emergency health problems. It can direct you to the most appropriate local treatment, whether that’s your GP, a pharmacy, a callback from a nurse, or an urgent walk-in treatment centre. However, in an emergency, such as when someone is seriously ill or injured, people should still call 999 or visit A&E.”
Find out more:
• Read more about why norovirus is reporting so high at the moment in our latest news story.
• View the National Norovirus Report here.
• Visit the NHS.uk webpage on norovirusfor useful information, including symptoms, how to treat it, and how to stop it spreading.
For more information contact UKHSA North West press office on 0344 225 0562 (option 0 then option 5). Out Of Hours 07827 954 768.
