Play your part this winter to stop the spread of Norovirus – just Think NORO
- 374 outbreaks of norovirus reported in the community across South West so far this Winter 2017-18, up from 311 in the same time period in 2016-17
- Schools in the South West have reported 90 norovirus outbreaks, while care home outbreaks are up 54% from last year to 202
- Alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus – handwashing is the best way to protect yourself against norovirus
- We can all play a role in stopping the spread of this unpleasant infectious bug
As reports of Norovirus outbreaks increase across the South West, Public Health England and NHS England are urging people to follow simple steps stop the spread of this nasty bug.
The infection can live on hard surfaces for hours and spreads very quickly through environments where lots of people are mingling closely, such as schools and nurseries. The best way to protect yourself and others from catching this unpleasant sickness bug is simply to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap, and to keep the environment you live and work in clean.
Alcohol or antibacterial hand sanitisers are a popular choice for people wanting to protect themselves from the bugs that circulate during winter, causing illnesses such as norovirus. However what most people don’t know is that hand sanitisers are NOT an effective protection against this common sickness bug.
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. Most people will recover within a few days and can return to work or school. However if Norovirus is introduced unintentionally into places where lots of people congregate, such as schools, nurseries, hospitals and care homes, the illness can spread incredibly quickly and affect vulnerable people.
In some situations, Norovirus outbreaks can lead to ward or school and nursery closures. This can have a knock-on effect of disrupting peoples’ jobs, routines or putting the health of people with underlying conditions at risk.
It’s so simple to play your part in stopping the spread of Norovirus – just Think NORO:
N No visits to hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries if you are suffering from symptoms of Norovirus – send someone else to visit loved ones until you are better
O Once you’ve been symptom-free for at least 48 hours, you’re safe to return to work, school or visit hospitals and care home
R Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food
O Only hand-washing will prevent spread of Norovirus – alcohol hand gels DON’T kill the virus
For further information, please visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/N
