Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times

Health chiefs in Norfolk are warning members of the public that the winter vomiting bug Norovirus is circulating widely.

They are reminding people to avoid spreading the infection by looking after themselves at home and keeping away from workplaces and enclosed public areas including hospitals or medical centres for at least 48 hours after symptoms have passed.

The Director of Public Health for Norfolk and Waveney, Dr Jenny Harries, said: “We know from local reports that many people are falling ill with Norovirus across Norfolk and Waveney right now. It is unpleasant but in most cases people do not need to see a doctor, they can recover with bed rest and sipping small amounts of fluid as often as possible to remain hydrated.

“Everyone in the health service works hard to keep patients with Norovirus safe and well at home so the illness is not brought into our hospitals. We ask people to help by not visiting patients until 48 hours after the last incidence of vomiting.”

Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. As many as a million people in the UK catch Norovirus every year, so scrupulous hygiene at home is important.

Outbreaks are more common in winter months because we tend to close the doors and spend more time indoors, giving the bugs more chance to spread.

There is no specific treatment for Norovirus infection, it is generally not dangerous unless a patient becomes seriously dehydrated and most people recover in a matter of days.

If you want to find out how to look after yourself if you become ill with a tummy bug, or how to look after a member of your family, there is really easy help at www.norfolk.nhs.uk/germbusters or at www.gywpct.nhs.uk

The main advice is:

Do not visit your GP surgery or local A&E Unit. Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment. It is, however, important to take plenty of drinks to replace lost fluids.

Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after using the toilet and before eating.

Do not visit friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes as there is a real risk that you would introduce the infection putting vulnerable people at risk.

If you are worried about prolonged symptoms, you can contact NHS Direct on www.nhs.uk, or 0845 4647, or ring your GP. They will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as children under the age of five or the elderly.

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