NHS issues vomiting virus warning (From York Press)

NHS issues vomiting virus warning

9:25am Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Richard Catton, richard.catton@thepress.co.uk

THE battle against norovirus has begun in our region as NHS bosses said cases of the virulent vomiting bug are already being reported in Yorkshire.

Experts from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in Yorkshire and the Humber are asking people to stay at home if they suspect they have the bug, to avoid spreading the symptoms to the vulnerable.

Meanwhile York Hospital, which was hit with outbreaks of the virus as recently as June, said it is prepared for any cases.

A spokesperson for York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said: “While we have not seen any cases of norovirus yet, the Trust has an excellent track record in terms of our infection control practices. We are confident that our staff understand their responsibilities in caring for patients suffering from these unpleasant and distressing symptoms.

“We have clear practice standards for all staff to follow in these circumstances, and this includes being strict about visiting when necessary to protect both patients and visitors. We may take harsh action and suspend all visiting to individual affected areas.

“If you are a visitor we ask that you follow guidance, which includes always washing your hands before and after visiting and use the hand sanitizer gel. This is to keep the virus contained and to help visitors to keep themselves safe as well as their friends or relatives.

“Up-to-date information about closures is also available on display screens in the main entrance.

“We always advise that people who have been unwell should not visit the hospital until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.”

According to the HPA the common symptoms are diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Vomiting is often sudden and described as “projectile” and some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

The HPA says the virus is highly infectious and spreads easily from one person to another, particularly in communities like schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Although it can be very unpleasant, the illness is generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within one to two days.