Hospital warning over Norovirus bug

AN outbreak of Norovirus – the winter vomiting virus – at Warrington has prompted a warning from hospital chiefs.
They are asking visitors to both Warrington and Halton hospitals to consider whether they are well enough to visit sick patients in a bid to reduce the risk of common bugs spreading.
A hospital spokeswoman said: “We have had a few cases at the hospital and we understand there are quite a few in the community.”
Each year up to one million people across the country are affected by Norovirus. It is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales, can affect people of any age and is very contagious It is spread from person-to-person and through food and water.
Many hospitals around the country have reported a major rise in cases in the last two weeks.
Warrington and Halton hospitals are asking visitors to be vigilant if they have not been well and have relatives in hospital.
Staff are asking visitors to take four simple steps to reduce the risk of spreading the bug among patients:
*Hands should be washed with soap and hot water and hygiene hand rubs used when entering and leaving wards.
*Relatives should not visit hospital if they feel unwell or have experienced vomiting and diarrhoea in the previous 72 hours. Outpatients who feel unwell should rearrange appointments.
*Visitors should not sit on a patient’s bed.
*Hospital staff should be asked to wash their hands – they will not mind.
Director of nursing David Melia, said: “In winter, stomach bugs like Norovirus are very difficult to control because they spread so quickly and easily from person to person and are very common out in the community.
“Staff have been asked to be extra vigilant and ensure they properly wash their hands between patients and we are now asking visitors to help us too.
“What we would like people to think about is whether they or anyone close to them such as family, friends or colleagues has had diarrhoea, vomiting or fever within the last 72 hours. If this is the case then they should avoid visiting the hospital.”
Norovirus is an unpleasant experience but the infection tends to only last 12-60 hours and most healthy people will just need to drink plenty of fluids and rest. However, the illness can have a worse effect in hospital by making patients weak and dehydrated and interfering with the effectiveness of medicines.