Norovirus – Get the facts

Norovirus – Get the facts

What is Norovirus?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that commonly cause gastroenteritis. The illness
they cause is also known as the “winter vomiting bug”.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms include the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and
diarrhoea. Some people might get a high temperature, headaches and aching limbs.
Not all people affected by Norovirus experience all of the symptoms.

Symptoms usually begin 12-48 hours after becoming infected. Most people fully
recover within one or two days, but some people (especially the very young, elderly or
those with an existing medical condition) may become dehydrated and require hospital
treatment.

Why does Norovirus cause outbreaks?
The virus is very easily transmitted form one person to another, by direct contact, by
consuming contaminated food or water, or by contact with contaminated surfaces or
objects. It can survive well in the environment, and the amount of virus needed to
cause infection is very small.

How can outbreaks be stopped?
The most effective way to respond to an outbreak of Norovirus in hospital is the
isolation of affected patients until they are symptom free. In addition, it is important to
clean and disinfect the affected area and ensure good hand hygiene measures are in
place.

Anyone who has the symptoms of Norovirus should avoid contact with others for a
minimum of 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. If you have had Norovirus
you should not go to work until you have been symptom free for 48 hours.

How is Norovirus treated?
There is no specific treatment for Norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Hand Hygiene advice
Good hand hygiene measures are particularly important. It is vital to wash your hands
thoroughly using soap and water.

• When entering and leaving any area where patients are present
• After using the toilet
• Before meals

Visitors:

DO NOT visit the hospital if you have had diarrhoea or vomiting within the last 48
hours. People can remain infectious for varying periods after the symptoms have
stopped

DO NOT use the toilets on the ward: use the public visitors’ toilets

DO NOT bring children to visit as it is hard for them to comply with these measures
Patient’s own clothing that is taken home should be washed separately on the hottest
cycle the fabric can withstand.

DO NOT prepare food for other people if you are ill.

Thank you for understanding

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything,
please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you
and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a
member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to
answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well
and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your
experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are
available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We
value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with
us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the
nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best
placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of
staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer
informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf,
if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to
outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can
investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing
and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please
be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your
call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of
staff.

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