| Help Stop the ‘Vomiting Virus’ |
| Thousands of people in Sheffield were struck down with the winter vomiting and diarrhoea bug Norovirus last year. As winter approaches doctors in the city are urging people to take simple steps to safeguard against the virus. The virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea can spread very rapidly from person-to-person in the community and it can cause considerable disruption to the city's hospitals patients and staff. People who have suffered the illness often come into the hospital to visit relatives or friends without realising they risk spreading the virus not only to their loved one but other people in the building. To make sure that visitors do not spread the virus they are being asked not to visit if they have had any symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting or 'flu like' symptoms or been in contact with someone who has in the previous 72 hours. As well as issuing this advice Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is also asking visitors to the hospital to follow these simple steps which form part of the hospitals infection prevention and control guidance: * Always wash your hands with soap and hot water and/or use alcohol hand rub when entering and leaving the ward. * Use the Visitors' chairs provided rather then sit on either the patient's chair or bed - please ask the nurse if you need more. * Ask staff to wash their hands. Do not be afraid to check that staff have decontaminated their hands either by washing them with soap and water or using the alcohol hand rub - they do not mind and expect patients and visitors to ask. The virus can be much more serious to frail and older people. Therefore the best way to help prevent the widespread infection of the Norovirus is to take simple measures at home to help stop the spread of infection by: * Washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. * Disinfecting surfaces and objects that may become contaminated, such as areas where food is prepared. * Washing any clothing or bedding in hot water and not sharing towels or flannels with others in your home. * Avoid eating raw or unwashed food as this has been known to sometimes carry the Norovirus. It is also important, if you have had the virus, to avoid direct contact with others for 48hours after the end of your symptoms as you may still be contagious and be at risk of spreading the infection further. This is particularly important if you are planning to visit a nursing or residential care home, or any area of the community with a higher population of vulnerable people. |