Tag: viruses

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/

Letters: Keeping Scotland’s babies safe from respiratory infections

Dear Editor

At Bliss we know this winter is likely to be a difficult one for parents in Scotland due to the risks caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections.

RSV is a common virus that causes cold like symptoms but can cause critical illnesses such as bronchiolitis in babies born premature or sick.

Like other seasonal coughs, colds and flu, RSV is usually most prevalent in Scotland between October and March each year. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions in social contact meant that cases of RSV were reduced. However, since people began mixing again, there has steadily been an increase in cases ahead of the usual winter seasonal trend, mainly in children aged under five.

Already hospitals across the UK are dealing with a highly unusual surge in illness among pre-school children, with thousands more under-fives than normal presenting with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections at A&E departments each week.

As part of a major new campaign Bliss will be working to provide information and support about RSV and respiratory infections directly to families of premature and sick babies at neonatal units across Scotland.

Through our new campaign we also want to make sure, especially, that we reach Black, Asian, Eastern European and other ethnic minority communities, as well as those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

This is because they may be less likely to have access to accessible healthcare information, or to go to healthcare professionals for support. Information will be translated into a range of different languages including Punjabi, Bengali, Urdu, Gujarati and Polish. Parents will also be able to translate our online information into their language of choice.

If your baby was born prematurely, is prone to lung infections or was born with a congenital heart problem, they could be at greater risk of becoming seriously ill if infected with RSV.

We are urging all parents to know the warning signs of respiratory conditions and to contact their health care professional when they need to.

To find out more please visit bliss.org.uk/RSV

CAROLINE LEE-DAVEY

Caroline Lee-Davey is the Chief Executive of Bliss Scotland, Scotland’s leading charity for babies born premature or sick.