NOROVIRUS
What are Noroviruses?
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that are
the most common cause of gastroenteritis
(stomach bugs) in England and Wales.
In the past noroviruses have been called
‘winter vomiting viruses’, ‘small round
structured virus’ or ‘Norwalk – like virus’.
How does Norovirus spread?
The virus is easily transmitted from one person to
another.
It can be transmitted by contact with an infected
person, by consuming contaminated food or water or
by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
It is likely to spread in enclosed areas where people
have a lot of contact,such as schools, hospitals and
nursing homes.
The symptoms of norovirus
infection will begin around 12 to
48 hours after becoming
infected.
The symptoms will last for 24 –
72 hours.
They start with the sudden onset
of nausea followed by projectile
vomiting.
Watery diarrhoea.
Headache, raised temperature
and aching limbs.
How is Norovirus treated?
There is no specific treatment for norovirus
apart from letting the illness run its course.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to
prevent dehydration.
The very young and the elderly should take
extra care if infected, as dehydration is more
common in these age groups.
How can I prevent others
from from becoming infected
Good hygiene is important.
You should wash your hands
thoroughly, especially after using
the toilet.
Clean contaminated surfaces with
disinfectant.
You should avoid preparing food
for others until at least 48 hours
after your symptoms have gone
altogether.
Avoid visiting hospital or care
facilities, avoid public areas
(supermarket, buses etc)
Who is at risk of getting
norovirus?
There is no one specific
group who are are risk of
contracting norovirus.
It affects people of all
ages.
Anywhere that large
numbers of people
congregate for periods of
time such as schools,
residential/nursing homes,
Health care settings and
hotels.
How common is Norovirus
It is estimated that norovirus affects
between 600,000 and a million people
in the UK each year
The flu
Isn’t flu just a heavy cold?
No. Colds are much less serious and
usually start gradually with a sore
throat and stuffy or funny nose.
What is flu?
Flu (influenza) is a respiratory infection
caused by the influenza virus
It is transmitted by droplets of
respiratory secretions from person to
person.
The symptoms include fever, headache,
cough, sore throat and aching muscles and
joints.
How serious is flu?
Catching flu is a nasty experience for
most people. But it can also lead to
really serious illnesses like bronchitis
and pneumonia, which may mean you
need hospital treatment.
A lot of people, mainly older people,
die from the flu every winter
Prevention
Who needs a flu jab?
65 or over
Serious heart or chest complaint
Serious kidney or liver disease
Diabetes
Lower immunity due to disease or treatment
such as steroid medication or cancer
treatment
Pregnant
Carers and healthcare workers
2-3 year olds with the nasal spray vaccine
(will eventually cover children 2-16yrs)
When are flu vaccines given?
The best time is between September
and early November ready for the
winter
How does the vaccine work?
Your body starts making antibodies to
the vaccine virus about a week to ten
days after the injection.
The antibodies help protect you against
any similar viruses you then come into
contact with
Can the flu jab actually cause flu?
No. The vaccine doesn’t contain any
live virus, so it can’t cause flu.
Some people get a slight temperature
and aching muscles for a couple of day
afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit
sore where you were injected.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t
get a flu jab?
If you have a serious allergy to hens eggs,
you shouldn’t get vaccinated.
You shouldn’t have the vaccine if you have
ever had a serious allergic reaction to the flu
vaccine, or to any of its ingredients, which
needed urgent medical treatment.
If you are unsure please ask you doctor for
advice