Please stop bugging me

11th December 2019

We’ve all heard about the so called winter vomiting bug that’s circulating in Stockport at the moment but did you know that if you have it you should steer clear of hospital or your GP surgery?

That’s because Norovirus – to give it it’s official title – is highly infectious, quickly spreads and can result in hospital wards, care homes and schools having to close.

It is the most common stomach bug in Britain and affects people of all ages. It is more common in winter but can strike all year round.

The first sign that you’ve got the bug is usually a sudden sick feeling followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhoea. It can also cause a raised temperature (over 38c), headaches and aching limbs.

There is no specific cure but most people make a full recovery after a couple of days without having to see a doctor.

It’s generally not dangerous although dehydration can cause problems so take care that plenty of fluids are taken if the infected person is an infant, small child or elderly.

However, if it lasts more than a few days or the symptoms get worse, contact your GP by phone for advice.

If you’re ill or looking after an infected person, wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap and disinfect any surfaces or objects the infected person has touched to prevent it spreading.

Outbreaks in busy places like schools, hospitals and nursing homes are common as the bug can survive for up to 12 days on surfaces touched by an infected person.

Finally stay at home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped to reduce the risk of passing the bug onto others.