Norovirus or the ‘winter vomiting bug’ can be prevalent at this time of year and there have been several recently reported cases in Dorset.
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.
Please help us to stop the spread of infection by following the advice below.
. Do not visit healthcare settings if you, or someone you have been in contact with, has had diarrhoea and/or vomiting until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased. There is a real risk you could introduce the infection to the area.
. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and liquid soap, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Alcohol gel is not effective against norovirus.
. If you are concerned about the health of the person you are visiting, please speak to a member of staff.
. Do not prepare or handle food for other people until you have been symptom free for a minimum of 48 hours.
Public Health Dorset’s deputy director Rachel Partridge said “It’s important if you have symptoms of these bugs, for example vomiting and diarrhoea, please don’t visit friends or relatives in hospitals, nursing or residential care homes.
“If you can, stay away from other people as much as possible until you are symptom free.”
You can find out more about the symptoms of norovirus and how to ease them by visiting: www.staywelldorset.nhs.uk/winter
