The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has issued a public advisory urging individuals to refrain from visiting friends or family in hospitals if they exhibit certain symptoms linked to ongoing norovirus infections. In a video message, an emergency care nurse from the Trust cautioned against visiting after experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting.

The nurse recommended that anyone who has suffered from these symptoms wait at least 48 hours after recovery before visiting, to prevent further transmission of the illness to others. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), norovirus symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, stomach cramps, and aching muscles.

This year’s spread of the virus is partially attributed to the GII.17 variant. The virus is highly contagious, and individuals can contract it more than once. Currently, the GII.17 strain has become the most prevalent form of norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug.

The most recent data from the UKHSA, covering the period of November 10-23, indicates a decrease in norovirus cases, although they remain within the expected range. The GII.4 variant has recently taken over as the dominant genotype, with detections of GII.17 declining.

Amy Douglas, a lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted that norovirus activity has stayed within expected levels in recent weeks. She emphasized, “It’s crucial to follow simple preventive measures to curb the spread of norovirus. Currently, the highest incidence is among children, so it’s essential to keep them home from school or daycare for 48 hours after symptoms subside.”

Ms. Douglas also advised that if you feel unwell, it is important to stay away from work or avoid preparing food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms cease. She stressed the importance of avoiding visits to hospitals and care homes to protect vulnerable individuals from infection.

The expert advised washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces to help stop infections from spreading. Ms Douglas warned that alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so you should not rely on those alone.

The NHS says the main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and can include:

1. feeling sick
2. being sick (vomiting)
3. diarrhoea

You might also have:

1. a high temperature
2. a headache
3. tummy pain
4. body aches and pains

You can get norovirus at any time of year.

If you or your child have norovirus, it can usually be treated at home and you will usually start to feel better in two to three days, according to the NHS.

Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be dealt with at home. The NHS says the most important thing is to drink lots of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist if you or a child aged over five has norovirus and show signs of dehydration or you are an older person with a weakened immune system or you have other health conditions which increase your risk of becoming dehydrated.

You should also chat to a pharmacist if you have diarrhoea and need it to stop for a few hours, according to the NHS.