10th January 2019
We’ve all heard about the winter vomiting bug sweeping the region 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 so quickly spreads and can result in hospital wards, care homes and schools having to close.
If you drag yourself to your GP or local hospital there’s a very good chance you’ll spread it to people who are already unwell and more vulnerable.
Or you could pass it on to NHS staff and that means they’re not able to work, which puts even more pressure on our GP practices and hospitals at a very busy time of year
Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in Britain and affects people of all ages and, though it’s more common in winter, it 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.