Norovirus awareness and guidance
Norovirus
Norovirus spreads rapidly in environments such as hospitals, schools, and care homes. It can spread through close contact with an infected person, by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them or by consuming food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.
Symptoms of norovirus
The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly, and may include:
- Feeling sick;
- Being sick (vomiting);
- Diarrhoea.
You may also have:
- A high temperature;
- A headache;
- Stomach pain;
- Body aches and pains.
Although it's sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year.
Current guidance
Some wards at Worthing Hospital have been closed for general visiting this week due to an outbreak of Norovirus. Therefore, NHS Sussex is calling for local people to follow the following guidance.
- Stay away from hospitals, including when visiting, if you have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms (cough, fever, chills, fatigue, runny nose, or headache) in the past 48 hours, unless it is an emergency, or you have been advised to do so by a healthcare professional.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water – this is the best way to stop Norovirus from spreading.
- Treat Norovirus yourself at home with plenty of rest, fluids and paracetamol if needed.
Check the NHS website or contact NHS 111 if you are concerned or need further advice