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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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:

NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Norovirus/