Norovirus: stay at home to stop the spread of winter vomiting, say doctors
Publication Date:15/01/2008
Introduction
Doctors have advised that some simple precautions could help to stop the spread of the winter vomiting bug in the UK. If anyone in your family has been struck down by a bout of vomiting and diarrhoea, it's important they stay at home for two days once their symptoms have stopped. Everyone in the household should wash their hands frequently.
What do we know already?
Cases of vomiting and diarrhoea tend to go up in the winter months. This is when a group of viruses called noroviruses are more common. Noroviruses are also sometimes called 'winter vomiting viruses' or 'Norwalk-like viruses'. They cause sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Some people also get a high temperature, headaches and aching limbs. Most people are better after one or two days, and don't need any special treatment.
Noroviruses spread very easily from one person to another. You may be at particular risk if you are in close contact with someone who has vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus can live on surfaces for many days and is easy to pick up from contaminated items like door handles, cups, wash basins or the soiled nappies of babies who have the bug. Just because you've had the infection once, doesn't mean you can't catch it again.
It's common for outbreaks of illness from norovirus to happen in places where people are in close contact, such as nurseries, hospitals, schools and cruise ships.
There are no exact figures as to how many people have been ill with norovirus this winter, but over the Christmas period GPs and hospitals reported that they were seeing many more people with vomiting and diarrhoea than usual. Most people with norovirus get better on their own anyway so the people that doctors see would only be a small proportion of those who have been ill. The latest advice has been issued to try to stop the virus spreading to more people.
What is the latest advice?
The latest advice is that anyone who has been ill with vomiting and diarrhoea should stay at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. Don't go to work or visit other people during this time, especially those in nursing homes or hospitals, as you can spread the virus to them very easily. You only need a sick note from your doctor if you have been away from work for more than five days. Most people will be better by this time.
Paracetamol can help with aches and pains, and people should drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. It's also important to wash your hands frequently, whether you're ill yourself or you're looking after someone who has vomiting and diarrhoea. Remember that antibiotics don't work on viruses, they only help to clear up infections caused by bacteria. If you want further advice then ring NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Some people occasionally get a more serious illness and become dehydrated. This is especially a risk for very young children and babies and older people with other medical conditions. If you are worried about someone who is not able to keep fluids down, or who is not starting to feel better after a few days then ring your GP for advice.
Where has the advice come from?
The advice comes from the Royal College of General Practitioners, the member organisation for GPs in the UK.
What does this mean for me?
If you're ill with vomiting and diarrhoea this advice is important for you. Remember to practise good hygiene by washing your hands after using the toilet and before preparing food. Try to avoid going back to work for two days after your symptoms stop.
What should I do now?
If you have been vomiting a lot and had frequent diarrhoea make sure you have plenty of clear fluids to drink so you don't get dehydrated. You can buy special rehydration salts to dissolve in water from a pharmacy, to help replace body fluids lost because of diarrhoea and vomiting. These salts are available for both adults and children. You can also buy anti-diarrhoea medicines over the counter, such as loperamide, but generally these are only suitable for short-term relief in adults and older children (over 12). Infants and young children with severe diarrhoea should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
To learn more see our information on diarrhoea in adults and diarrhoea in children.
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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
