University of Sheffield
Staff Occupational Health Service
Norovirus / Winter vomiting bug
Guidelines for Staff
What is it?
Norovirus are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of
stomach bugs; they are also called the 'winter vomiting disease' because
people tend to get them during the winter months. However, they can occur at
any time of the year.
How noroviruses are spread?
It is estimated that the Norovirus affects between 600,000 and 1 million
people in the UK every year. Outbreaks of the illness are common, particularly
within contained environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and
schools. This is because the Norovirus spreads very easily from person to
person, and the virus can survive for several days in a contaminated area.
The Norovirus can be spread through contact with an infected person, through
contact with surfaces, or objects, that are contaminated with the virus, or by
eating contaminated food or water.
There are many different types of Norovirus, and it is possible for infection to
occur several times. This is because after getting the illness, immunity to the
virus only lasts for fourteen weeks.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms usually start between 24-48 hours after the initial infection,
although they can start after as little as 12 hours. The first symptom is usually
a sudden onset of nausea, which is followed by projectile vomiting and watery
diarrhoea. Some people may also have:




a mild fever
headaches
stomach cramps, or
aching limbs.
Symptoms normally last between 12-60 hours, although most people make a
full recovery within one to two days. However, the diarrhoea may last slightly
longer.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for a Norovirus, apart from letting the condition
run its course.
When the vomiting has stopped:



Start by eating easily digestible foods – soup, rice, pasta, bread
Babies should be given their normal feed
Drink plenty of water to help replace the fluids lost by vomiting and
diarrhoea
Anti-diarrhoea medicine is available from pharmacies over-the-counter (OTC)
and may be used, however, these forms of medication are not suitable for
children, and should not be used if you have a fever (a temperature that is
over 38C or 100.4F). Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Prevention
Although it is not possible to prevent:




Good hand hygiene can help to limit spread of infection
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the
toilet, and before preparing food.
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a
Norovirus.
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce, and only eat oysters from a
reliable source because they have been known to carry the Norovirus.
If you have a Norovirus, you should avoid direct contact with others until at
least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone. You should also avoid
preparing food for others until at least three days after your symptoms have
gone.
Gaa/jan08/norovirus