Tag: Norovirus

Stay safe from norovirus and stomach bugs this winter

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to be vigilant against norovirus and to practice good hand hygiene to help avoid the spread.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It usually increases during the winter months.

Beatrix Von Wissmann, NHSGGC Public Health Consultant said: “While viruses are a concern year-round, winter months see a spike in stomach virus cases when people spend more time indoors and are in close proximity to one another.

“These viruses can be very nasty, particularly for those who are older or more vulnerable due to existing conditions. They also cannot be treated with an antibiotic and need to run their course, so it is important to be aware of how to avoid spreading the virus if you possibly can.

“We advise that you are also prepared to know what to do if you or loved ones do feel unwell. We recommend taking note of the online selfcare guides from NHS Inform or downloading the NHS24 app.

“Anyone, who believes they need to speak to a health professional, should call NHS24 on 111 for advice. It is better to wait to speak with someone in the comfort of your own home, particularly when vomiting and diarrhoea are involved.”

NHSGGC has listed how you can protect yourself and others from the virus.

  • Stay home if symptomatic: If you experience symptoms such as sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, stay at home until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. This helps prevent spreading the virus to others, especially vulnerable individuals in hospitals and care homes.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitisers are not as effective against norovirus.
  • Avoid visiting vulnerable settings: Do not visit hospitals or care homes if you or someone you live with has symptoms. This is crucial to protect patients who are at higher risk of severe illness. This includes going to A&E. If you need to speak to a health professional, call NHS24 on 111.
  • Keep surfaces clean: Regularly clean household surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to reduce the risk of contamination.
  • Handle food safely: Avoid cooking for others while symptomatic and ensure fruits and vegetables are rinsed well before eating.

What to do if you catch norovirus:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
  • Rest and recover: Allow the virus to run its course, which typically lasts 2-3 days.
  • Eat light: Consume easily digestible foods to ease your symptoms.

For more information visit: 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/norovirus/

Health Board issues COVID-19, flu and Norovirus advice to visitors 

Members of the public are being asked not to visit NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, flu or Norovirus.

Those who plan to visit loved ones in hospital should only do so if they are not displaying any symptoms and all visitors should wear a mask, if eligible, during their time on site.

Symptoms of Norovirus include:

  • Suddenly feeling sick
  • Projectile vomiting
  • Watery diarrhoea
  • Slight fever
  • Headaches
  • Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Continuous cough
  • High temperature, fever or chills
  • Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
  • Shortness of breath
  • Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
  • Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
  • Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
  • Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick or being sick

Symptoms of flu include:

  • A sudden fever
  • A dry, chesty cough
  • A headache
  • Tiredness and weakness
  • Chills
  • Aching muscles
  • Limb or joint pain
  • Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A sore throat
  • A runny or blocked nose
  • Sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping

Taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our everyday life in recent years and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of the viruses and practicing good hygiene.

You can protect yourself and others by:

  • Staying at home if unwell, have a fever or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or Norovirus
  • Wearing a face covering in healthcare settings and not visiting loved ones if unwell
  • Wearing a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
  • Cleaning hands and surfaces regularly
  • Opening windows when meeting indoors
  • Socialising outdoors when possible

Morag Gardner, Deputy Nurse Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Acute Division said: “During the winter months viral infections, such as COVID-19, flu and Norovirus, can further add to the pressures hard-working staff are facing across our sites.

“Our dedicated members of staff are working around the clock to continue to provide the highest standard of patient-centred care possible. To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses. We are also asking anyone who does attend the site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask during your time at the hospital.”

NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Department (A&E) across its sites if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening. 

Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:

1.        Visit the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/

2.       Call NHS24 on 111

3.       Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/

For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue calling 999 or attending A&E.