Friday 04 January 2019
Norovirus, sometimes known as the 'winter vomiting bug', is the most common stomach bug in the UK and the Bailiwick, affecting people of all ages.
It is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, an infected person, or consumption of contaminated food or water. At present increased numbers of cases are being reported in the Bailiwick.
The symptoms of norovirus are very distinctive - people often report a sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
The virus is usually mild and lasts for one to two days. Most people make a full recovery within a couple of days. However, infants and elderly people may become more ill.
Good hand hygiene is important to stop the spread of the virus.
Joana Rocha, Health Protection Nurse, offered advice to islanders.
"Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water and dry them after using the toilet, before preparing food and eating. Specifically I would advise people not to rely on alcohol gels as these do not kill the virus."
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said:
"An infection with norovirus is self-limiting and most people will make a full recovery in 1-2 days. Our advice is to rest and keep hydrated. This is especially important for children and the elderly. The bug spreads very easily in public areas such as hospitals, GP surgeries, nursing homes and schools and is usually brought into these places by visitors.
"HSC is therefore asking everyone to help prevent the spread of norovirus by staying away from hospitals and other healthcare facilities for 48hrs if you, or someone you live with, has vomited or had diarrhoea in the last 48 hours, unless you need urgent medical attention. As such, we would only advise visiting the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital if you are concerned about the severity of your symptoms or you have underlying chronic health problems."
