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Stop norovirus spreading – wash your hands with soap and water

February 18, 2022

Norovirus, sometimes known as the “winter vomiting bug”, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages.  It is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, an infected person, or consumption of contaminated food or water.

The symptoms of norovirus are very distinctive – people often report a sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

Good hand hygiene is important to stop the spread of the virus. This means taking the time to wash your hands with soap and water – not relying simply on alcohol hand sanitiser.

An infection with norovirus is self-limiting and most people will make a full recovery in 1-2 days.  It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.

Colleagues are advised to:

  • Wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water and drying them after using the toilet, before preparing food and eating.
  • Don’t rely on alcohol gels as these do not kill the virus.
  • Colleagues should not return to work until 48 hours after their last symptom.

Managers are advised to:

  • Report multiple cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea in their team to infection control.