Hospitals bug plea

PEOPLE with the highly contagious norovirus stomach flu are being advised to stay away from hospitals and GP surgeries to prevent the illness spreading.

Staff at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust are urging visitors not to turn up if they have the winter vomiting bug.

Norovirus affects up to one million people in the UK every year, with about 10,000 cases in Leicestershire and Rutland.

An outbreak of the bug has been confirmed at a ward in Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Dr David Jenkins, a microbiologist at the trust, said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and can be picked up easily by ill and vulnerable people.

“We have confirmed cases on one of our wards at the infirmary and have taken extra measures to contain it and prevent wider spread.”

Symptoms of norovirus includes diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

“Norovirus can be a nasty experience for those affected but is normally a shortlived, self-limiting infection from which people will usually recover within 12 to 48 hours,” said Dr Jenkins.

“It’s really important that if you are ill or have been recently ill you don’t visit friends or relatives in hospital until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.”

The trust has issued advice for people with the illness:

Do not visit your GP surgery or A&E. Norovirus infection is a self-limiting illness and you will recover naturally without treatment.

It is, however, important to drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If your symptoms persist, phone NHS 111 for advice.

Do not visit friends or relatives in hospital or residential care homes as there is a real risk you would introduce the infection to the establishment.

Stay away until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Do not send children to school or childcare until they have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.

Wash hands thoroughly and regularly at all times, but particularly after toilet visits and before eating.

Do not handle or prepare food for other people until you have been symptom free for 48 hours.

Dr Jenkins said: “In the vast majority of cases there is no benefit to someone with norovirus being in hospital.

“People with the condition should stay at home, ensure their personal hygiene is good, particularly hand-washing, and avoid contact with others where possible.

“However, the elderly and very young can sometimes get more severe infection or become dehydrated.

“If that should be the case, they or their family, friends or carers, should tele-