Help stop the spread of norovirus this Christmas

With Christmas festivities getting underway, we urge you to protect yourselves and your loved ones against the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus, this winter.

Louise Dickinson, Joint Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust and Cornwall Foundation NHS Trust, explains: “Norovirus likes nothing more than group gatherings, and Christmas and New Year is when we often see sharp rises. But by taking some simple steps you can help stop the spread of the virus, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and if you have symptoms avoid direct contact with people.

“We have cases of norovirus in our hospitals, and this has a significant impact on patient flow and our ability to admit new patients needing our care. If you have symptoms of diarrhoea or sickness, please delay visiting our hospitals until you have been symptom-free for at least two days to help protect our most vulnerable patients.”

There are some simple precautions you can take to help stop the spread:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don’t rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus.

• Avoid going out or going to parties or get-togethers if you’ve had symptoms of diarrhoea or sickness in the last 48 hours, or if you’ve been in direct contact with some else who has had these symptoms. This applies to visiting someone in hospital too. Norovirus can be much more serious for someone who is already unwell.

• Avoid close contact with other family members if you have symptoms. Where possible use separate toilet facilities and always make sure they are cleaned thoroughly after use.

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. Find out more about norovirus and tips on how to take care of yourself or family members on the NHS website.