Patient information service Trustwide Viral gastroenteritis (norovirus) Information for patients, carers and visitors Respecting everyone Embracing change Recognising success Working together Our hospitals.
What is viral gastroenteritis? There are a number of causes of viral gastroenteritis. Norovirus is the most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis in England and Wales. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache and a temperature. How is norovirus spread? Norovirus spreads in aerosol droplets that are created when infected children or adults vomit or have diarrhoea. The droplets can land on hands and surfaces and survive for some time. Good hand washing and thorough cleaning helps kill the virus. Norovirus is highly infectious and circulates in the community throughout the year. Outbreaks of norovirus are common in semi-closed places such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and nurseries. When an outbreak occurs in a hospital it is often necessary to close affected bays, wards or units to help control the situation. How can the spread of norovirus be prevented? If you are a patient and are having diarrhoea or vomiting that you feel is unusual for you, please tell a member of staff as soon as possible. If you are a parent or carer and your child develops diarrhoea or vomiting that you feel is unusual, please tell a member of staff as soon as possible. If you are a visitor and have been unwell with diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not visit until you have been free from diarrhoea and vomiting for at least 48 hours. You could be putting patients and staff at risk. 2
Uncovered food such as biscuits, fruit or sweets must not be kept on lockers. All patients, including children, should be encouraged to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals. Staff will assist, if necessary. Visitors should wash their hands on entering and leaving a bay, ward, or unit, and if involved in any personal care for the baby, child or adult. If you are concerned that a member of staff has not cleaned their hands, it is okay to remind them. How long can it take to get norovirus? This varies from person to person, but typically between 12 and 48 hours after being in contact with an infected person or source. Can it be treated? There is no active treatment for norovirus. Symptoms can last between 12 and 60 hours. The illness is generally mild, and people usually recover fully within one to two days. However, if a person has a weakened immune system, it may take longer. It is important to ensure that fluid lost through diarrhoea or vomiting is replaced. Norovirus can occur at any age because immunity is not long lasting, but there are no long term effects that result from being infected. 3
What if a patient catches norovirus in hospital? Patients may be moved to a single side room depending on their symptoms. Staff will wear gloves and aprons to prevent the spread of the virus. If a number of people are affected, it may be necessary to close the bay, ward or unit to prevent spread to other areas. Can it affect pregnancy? There is no evidence that norovirus affects the baby. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and contact your midwife or GP if you are concerned. What about laundry? Laundry can be taken home to wash. It should be bagged safely on the bay, ward or unit. It is advisable to wash this laundry separately. Use the hottest wash that the laundry can withstand and ideally tumble dry afterwards. Anyone handling dirty laundry should wash and dry their hands. What about visiting hours? If the bay, ward or unit is closed because of norovirus, signs will be displayed. Visiting hours are not normally restricted. However, visitors should check with the nurse in charge. Does norovirus stop patients from going home? If a bay, ward or unit is closed, patients are generally not transferred or discharged to other hospitals. This applies to all patients, whether they have had symptoms or not. Some nursing homes and care homes will accept patients from closed areas, but many will not. As soon as the bay, ward or unit is opened, 4
transfers and discharges can take place. Patients on closed bays, wards or units can be discharged to their own homes, if their doctors are happy for them to go. Is it safe to go home? Once the doctors have decided that a patient is medically fit for discharge, they can go home. If a person has had viral gastroenteritis during their stay, the worst effects should be over. If they are free from diarrhoea and vomiting, the risk of it spreading to others in a home environment is small. If a person has not had viral gastroenteritis during their stay, they may have come into contact with it, and there is a chance that they could develop it at home. This would typically happen within two days of leaving hospital. What if norovirus symptoms start at home? If you or your relative, friend or child starts to feel unwell, contact the GP. Tell them that there has been recent contact with a hospital area that has been closed due to diarrhoea or vomiting and take advice from them. It is important that the person is able to drink fluids (drinking water). If any symptoms of nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea last for more than 12 hours, contact the GP. 5
When can I go out? Anyone who has norovirus is likely to feel too unwell to leave home for a couple of days. It takes time to return to normal, and you can remain infectious for around 48 hours. It is best not go out for two days after your last symptoms. What about family, friends and carers? Family, friends and carers are only at risk if they are living with the person who has symptoms, or visiting while the person is having symptoms. If you have young children or an elderly partner or relatives, please ensure everyone carries out strict hand hygiene and that toilets and hand wash basins are cleaned after each use. What about having visitors at home? It is best if visitors particularly young children, sick or elderly people do not visit until 48 to 72 hours after symptoms stop, as they could be put at risk. 6
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Infection prevention and control team Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Tel: 0117 342 3868 / 4296 / 2570 For access to other patient leaflets and information please go to the following address: www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/ information-for-patients/. Hospital Switchboard: 0117 923 0000 Minicom: 0117 934 9869 www.uhbristol.nhs.uk For an interpreter or signer please contact the telephone number on your appointment letter. For this leaflet in large print, audio, or PDF format, please call the patient information service: 0117 342 3728 / 3725 w w w @ University Hospitals Bristol Published: 04/02/15 Expires: 28/02/18 DOTS/TS/IC/VIRGASTNORPCV/FEB15