NOROVIRUS

What are Noroviruses?

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that
are the most common cause of
gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in
England and Wales.
In the past noroviruses have been called
winter vomiting viruses, small round
structured virus or Norwalk like
virus.

How does Norovirus

spread?
The virus is easily transmitted from one person
to another.
It can be transmitted by contact with an
infected person, by consuming contaminated
food or water or by contact with contaminated
surfaces or objects.
It is likely to spread in enclosed areas where
people have a lot of contact,such as schools,
hospitals and nursing homes.

The symptoms of norovirus

infection will begin around
12 to 48 hours after
becoming infected.
The symptoms will last for
24 72 hours.
They start with the sudden
onset of nausea followed by
projectile vomiting.
Watery diarrhoea.
Headache, raised
temperature and aching
limbs.

How is Norovirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for
norovirus apart from letting the illness
run its course.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids to
prevent dehydration.
The very young and the elderly should
take extra care if infected, as
dehydration is more common in these
age groups.

How can I prevent others

from from becoming
infected
Good hygiene is important.
You should wash your hands
thoroughly, especially after
using the toilet.
Clean contaminated surfaces
with disinfectant.
You should avoid preparing
food for others until at least
48 hours after your symptoms
have gone altogether.
Avoid visiting hospital or care
facilities, avoid public areas
(supermarket, buses etc)

Who is at risk of getting

norovirus?
There is no one specific
group who are are risk
of contracting norovirus.
It affects people of all
ages.
Anywhere that large
numbers of people
congregate for periods
of time such as schools,
residential/nursing
homes, Health care
settings and hotels.

How common is Norovirus

It is estimated that norovirus
affects between 600,000 and a
million people in the UK each year

The flu

Isnt flu just a heavy cold?

No. Colds are much less serious and
usually start gradually with a sore
throat and stuffy or funny nose.

What is flu?
Flu (influenza) is a respiratory infection
caused by the influenza virus
It is transmitted by droplets of
respiratory secretions from person to
person.
The symptoms include fever, headache,
cough, sore throat and aching muscles and
joints.

How serious is flu?

Catching flu is a nasty experience for
most people. But it can also lead to
really serious illnesses like bronchitis
and pneumonia, which may mean
you need hospital treatment.
A lot of people, mainly older people,
die from the flu every winter

Prevention

Who needs a flu jab?

65 or over
Serious heart or chest complaint
Serious kidney or liver disease
Diabetes
Lower immunity due to disease or
treatment such as steroid medication or
cancer treatment
Pregnant
Carers and healthcare workers
2-3 year olds with the nasal spray
vaccine (will eventually cover children 216yrs)

When are flu vaccines

given?
The best time is between
September and early November
ready for the winter

How does the vaccine

work?
Your body starts making antibodies
to the vaccine virus about a week
to ten days after the injection.
The antibodies help protect you
against any similar viruses you
then come into contact with

Can the flu jab actually cause

flu?
No. The vaccine doesnt contain
any live virus, so it cant cause flu.
Some people get a slight
temperature and aching muscles for
a couple of day afterwards, and
your arm may feel a bit sore where
you were injected.

Is there anyone who

shouldnt get a flu jab?
If you have a serious allergy to hens
eggs, you shouldnt get vaccinated.
You shouldnt have the vaccine if you
have ever had a serious allergic reaction
to the flu vaccine, or to any of its
ingredients, which needed urgent medical
treatment.
If you are unsure please ask you doctor
for advice