Norovirus, sometimes called Norwalk virus or small round structured virus causes winter vomiting disease. Although commoner in the winter months, it can occur at any time of the year. It is the commonest cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in the UK and is highly infectious. Indeed if it appears in the hospital setting it frequently leads to ward closure since this is often the only way to contain the infection.

Hand-washing alone often is not enough to contain the virus. It is not, however, a hospital acquired infection as such and is brought in by a member of staff, visitor or patient who has acquired it in the community. It is important, therefore not to visit patients if you have recently suffered from a brief episode of diarrhoea because of the havoc this virus can cause to the everyday running of a hospital. Usually you are no longer infectious after being symptom free for 48 hours.

Norovirus is transmitted very easily in the following ways:

Not washing hands after using the toilet

Being exposed to the virus when cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea of infected person

By breathing in virus from the air e.g. after projectile vomiting

Touching surfaces that have virus on them eg toilet seats, furniture, door handles, keyboards etc.

By eating contaminated food eg oysters contaminated from sewage in sea water

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Norovirus infection:

NOROVIRUS : FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COUNTRY : ENGLAND

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms often start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. However, not all of those infected will experience all of the symptoms. Some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.

Symptoms usually begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours. Most people make a full recovery within 1-2 days, however some people (usually the very young or elderly) may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.

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