NOROVIRUS

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NOROVIRUS
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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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How common is Norovirus

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

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The flu
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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.

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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.

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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

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Prevention
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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 2-16yrs)

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When are flu vaccines given?

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

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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

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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.

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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

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