Help us stop the spread of Norovirus

Just because spring is here it doesn’t mean we’re safe from winter bugs hanging around. We ‘re asking everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones against the vomiting bug, norovirus, by taking simple steps to stop the spread of the virus, particularly to vulnerable people.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Most people will recover within a few days and can return to work or school.  However, if norovirus is introduced unintentionally into care homes and hospitals by visitors it can lead to ward closures and making it difficult for health care workers to treat our patients.

No-one wants norovirus as well as a stay in hospital, therefore we are asking our families, friends and visitors to follow these simple steps to stop the spread:

• Please do not visit if you have any symptoms of norovirus - send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better
• Wash your hands with soap and water when entering a ward, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food and before you leave the ward
• If the ward you are visiting asks you to wear a mask, please follow this advice.

The symptoms of norovirus include suddenly feeling sick, projectile vomiting, and watery diarrhoea. Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms appear one to two days after you become infected and typically last for up to 2 or 3 days.