If you spot any of these symptoms you should avoid contact with others for two days, the NHS says.
People have been urged to look out for some of the telltale signs of a nasty winter bug currently spreading “like wildfire” that has caused one hospital to close wards. The NHS has reported extremely high numbers of patients in hospital with norovirus, adding extra strain to services.
Three wards at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, have been closed due to an outbreak of the dreaded vomiting bug. This is to help reduce the risk of the infection spreading and protect new patients from being exposed to the virus.
According to the latest data, 961 patients a day were in hospital across England with norovirus last week. This is up seven percent on the week before and 69 percent higher than the same period last year, when there were 570 cases for the week ending February 4.
Professor Arlene Wellman, group chief nurse for St George’s Hospital, warned: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker.” The virus is highly transmissible.
It spreads through faeces, which means it can be passed on easily if someone has not properly washed their hands after using the bathroom. According to the NHS, the main symptoms of norovirus usually start “suddenly”.
These may include, feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), and diarrhoea. However, you can also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.
If you notice any symptoms, the NHS says you should not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. You should also avoid hospitals and care homes for the same period.
You should start to feel better in two to three days. The NHS adds: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
As well as staying home if you have symptoms there are other steps you can take to limit the spread of infection. Prof Wellman continued: “We are doing everything we can to limit the spread, but you can help us.
“Hand sanitisers such as alcohol gel do not kill the bug – the simple act of good hand washing with soap and water can make all the difference between our beds being used to care for patients, or lying empty at a time when every bed is precious.”
The NHS advice states you should:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- Wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
If you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days you should call 111.
