How can norovirus be prevented?

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water - particularly after going to the toilet, before preparing or eating food, and after changing a baby's nappy. Alcohol gels are not effective against this particular virus.
• Do not use dirty cutlery.
• Do not allow raw food to come into contact with cooked food.
• Ensure all food is thoroughly cooked, especially meat and shellfish.
• Avoid contact with anyone suffering from the virus for two to three days after they are completely free of symptoms.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be contracted in a number of ways:

• Direct contact with people who have the virus.
• Touching contaminated objects.
• Touching dirty or unwashed objects.
• Raw or undercooked food, especially meat and shellfish.

While this condition, sometimes called ‘winter vomiting disease’ or ‘winter vomiting bug,’ is an unpleasant experience, the infection tends to be short lived and most people will just need to drink plenty of fluids and take plenty of rest. However, people who are already ill, such as patients in hospital, can sometimes get quite poorly as the illness can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicines they are taking and also make them weak and dehydrated.  

The symptoms of a norovirus infection begin around 12 to 72 hours after the patient picks up the infection. Symptoms usually last for 12 to 60 hours, but sometimes longer. Most people start with feeling nauseous, often followed by actually being sick and the vomiting is frequently projectile. Many patients will also get watery diarrhoea. Some people will have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs or flu like symptoms. Most people make a full recovery within 1-2 days, but some people - usually the very young or elderly - may become very dehydrated and require medical treatment.

Norovirus is very contagious, is spread mainly from person to person and occasionally through food preparation, and is more likely to spread where people are in close proximity. Public places like hospitals, schools and offices are susceptible to outbreaks and people should stay at home until they are free of the symptoms – as it is a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics so do not go to your doctor. If you are concerned then call NHS 111 first.

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