Stay Well This Winter - Norovirus
Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter.
As we get older, changes to our bodies mean that cold weather and winter bugs affect us more than they used to. But what’s changed and why does it mean were more likely to get sick over winter.
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. It is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, an infected person, or consumption of contaminated food or water.
Very Brief Intervention
Ask
Have you heard of Norovirus before? you might know this as the winter vomiting bug?
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Assist
Would you like some information on the symptoms of Norovirus as they are fairly distinctive?
State that people often report a sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Would you like some information on how you can treat the symptoms of Norovirus yourself?
Would you like some information on you can reduce this risk of Norovirus being spread this winter?
State that Norovirus is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, an infected person, or consumption of contaminated food or water
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Act
Self Care
Check if you have norovirus
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected
How to treat norovirus yourself
- An infection with norovirus is self-limiting and most people will make a full recovery in 1-2 days. It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly
- Stay off school or work until the symptoms have stopped for 2 days. Also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.
- Advice is available from NHS 111, including an online symptom checker at nhs.uk.
Please note that Antibiotics do not work for Norovirus. Do not visit either A&E or GPs with symptoms as this may spread the virus.
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How to prevent the spread of Norovirus
Good hand hygiene is Key to stopping the spread of the virus
You should also keep shared surfaces (such as door handles and telephones) clean, and avoid sharing food, crockery, cutlery, or towels.
National Support and Information Services
Key Websites:
Local Support and Contact Details
Norfolk
The NHS has information on Norovirus: Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected.
You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.
The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You will usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days.
How norovirus is spread:
Norovirus can spread very easily.
You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. This is when you're most infectious.
Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.
Find out how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting in children and adults
The NHS website also has information on when to call 111 or 999 or go to A&E.
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Local Support Services
Norfolk appears to have no specific support for Norovirus that are different from the above advice and guidance