NHS chiefs urge people with Norovirus to stay home

Warning issued to prevent spread of sickness bug

Health chiefs are urging people suffering from Norovirus to stay at home to prevent the virus spreading.

Head of infection prevention and control at Medway NHS Foundation Trust Linda Dempster said the sickness bug was extremely contagious and while there were currently no hospital wards shut in Medway, the cold snap could prompt a rise in cases.

“It’s very important that people suffering vomiting and diarrhoea stay at home,” she said.

“Obviously very old people or young children or people with other health conditions should see their doctor or attend hospital if they have the Norovirus, but others need to stay at home unless they are not getting better, in which case it is likely to be something else.

“The sickness bug is very rapid; it hits hard, you are very sick and it goes within two to three days.

“The virus is very contagious and if someone has it and then visits somebody else in hospital it can spread.

“During cold weather more people attend hospital and so it can spread quickly.

“So, if you have it, stay at home until it’s gone. Don’t go to hospital or your GP unless you’re not getting any better.”

For information about NHS health services go to www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect.

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