Flu bug sparks plea from health chiefs for visitors to Alex and Worcestershire Royal hospitals - The Redditch Standard

Flu bug sparks plea from health chiefs for visitors to Alex and Worcestershire Royal hospitals

Redditch Editorial 11th Dec, 2017   0

CASES of the winter vomiting bug norovirus have started to appear on wards at both the Alexandra Hospital and Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

It comes a weeek after the medical admissions unit at the Alex was closed due to an outbreak of the bug.

Now health chiefs at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is appealing for visitors to either hospital to stay away if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the previous four days.

A spokesperson said: “We do expect at this time of year to see a rise in winter illnesses. In particular, norovirus – or the winter vomiting bug as it is sometimes called – is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools and care homes.




“We have started to see some cases of norovirus on wards at both the Alexandra and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals and these are being managed rigorously in line with our Infection Prevention and Control Policy.

““We advise members of staff who display symptoms of norovirus not to return until they are 48 hours clear of symptoms.


“Those with symptoms of norovirus will probably feel very unwell for a couple of days but will get better. However, it could cause further health complications for patients already ill in hospital, making it vital that the virus is not introduced into the hospital environment.”

Typical symptoms of a norovirus infection include:

<strong>· the sudden onset of projectile vomiting

· watery diarrhoea

· some people also experience headaches, mild temperature and stomach cramps</strong>

There is no treatment for the virus but it is important to keep yourself hydrated to prevent fluid loss.

The following self-care tips will help to ease the symptoms of norovirus:

<strong>· drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration

· take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains

· if you feel like eating, eat foods that are easy to digest

· stay at home – don’t go to see your GP because norovirus is contagious and there’s nothing your GP can do while you have it

· contact your GP to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days, if your symptoms get worse and you become dehydrated or if you already have a serious illness.</strong>

Extra care should be taken to prevent babies and small children who have diarrhoea and vomiting from dehydrating by giving them plenty of fluids. Babies and young children can still drink milk.

If someone or a relative has norovirus and wants further help and advice, you can call NHS 111.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Advertising

Advertise with the Redditch Standard to reach your audience

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Redditch Standard.