News Release
27/01/2012
The last week has seen a sharp increase in the number of cases of the winter vomiting bug in Southampton and the message from the local NHS is to keep it simple to avoid catching the bug:
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regularly wash your hands with soap and water
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remember to clean hard surfaces especially sinks and toilets with detergent followed by disinfection with household bleach solution
The bug can spread particularly easily in closed communities such as care homes, nurseries and schools, so everyone is advised to take care with hygiene at home and in the workplace.
Dr Graham Watkinson, Southampton public health consultant for the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth PCT Cluster said;
“Spread of the norovirus infection is by contamination of hands, food, equipment and surfaces with infectious particles from vomiting or diarrhoea. The winter vomiting bug can be a serious illness and although most people can recover from resting at home and drinking plenty of fluids; it is causing some more vulnerable people to need hospital treatment.”
If you do feel unwell it is important not to risk infecting others who may be vulnerable, as Graham explains;
“If you get a tummy bug; do not visit hospitals or health facilities, such as your GP practice, as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to vulnerable patients and staff. It could also mean wards need to close.”
“Norovirus can be more serious for some groups of people, especially for the young and elderly who are more generally unwell. If a baby or child is ill with either vomiting or flu-like symptoms and you have any concerns ring your GP or NHS Direct for advice.”
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging people not to come to hospital if the visit is not essential.
Dr Graeme Jones, director of the infection prevention unit at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “'Whilst we are seeing a resolving situation at UHS with regard to affected cases and ward closures, it is vital members of the public keep non-essential visits to a minimum as the number of winter vomiting bugs in the community remains high.
“Staff are working hard to contain and eradicate the remaining cases but these efforts may not succeed if visitors come into hospital having recently been ill and trigger more outbreaks among vulnerable patient groups.”
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care for who is suffering from the vomiting bug you should ring your GP. If you’re not sure where to get help or whether you need to see a doctor call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
ENDS
For more information please contact the Communications Team on 023 8029 6229.
Notes for editors
Norovirus
· Spread of infection is by contamination of hands, food, equipment and surfaces with infectious particles from vomiting or diarrhoea.
· If you are elderly or frail, you may suffer a more severe bout of illness. The main concern is that you could become dehydrated because of the fluid losses caused by vomiting and diarrhoea, so drinking plenty of liquids is essential.
· You should minimise your contact with other people until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hrs.
· Wherever possible, you should avoid going to hospitals or other care facilities unless absolutely necessary. This is to prevent the spread of the virus.
