<p> University of Sheffield Staff Occupational Health Service</p><p>Norovirus / Winter vomiting bug Guidelines for Staff</p><p>What is it?</p><p>Norovirus are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of stomach bugs; they are also called the 'winter vomiting disease' because people tend to get them during the winter months. However, they can occur at any time of the year.</p><p>How noroviruses are spread?</p><p>It is estimated that the Norovirus affects between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK every year. Outbreaks of the illness are common, particularly within contained environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. This is because the Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, and the virus can survive for several days in a contaminated area.</p><p>The Norovirus can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contact with surfaces, or objects, that are contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water.</p><p>There are many different types of Norovirus, and it is possible for infection to occur several times. This is because after getting the illness, immunity to the virus only lasts for fourteen weeks. </p><p>What are the symptoms?</p><p>The symptoms usually start between 24-48 hours after the initial infection, although they can start after as little as 12 hours. The first symptom is usually a sudden onset of nausea, which is followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Some people may also have:</p><p> a mild fever  headaches  stomach cramps, or  aching limbs.</p><p>Symptoms normally last between 12-60 hours, although most people make a full recovery within one to two days. However, the diarrhoea may last slightly longer. Treatment</p><p>There is no specific treatment for a Norovirus, apart from letting the condition run its course.</p><p>When the vomiting has stopped:</p><p> Start by eating easily digestible foods – soup, rice, pasta, bread  Babies should be given their normal feed  Drink plenty of water to help replace the fluids lost by vomiting and diarrhoea </p><p>Anti-diarrhoea medicine is available from pharmacies over-the-counter (OTC) and may be used, however, these forms of medication are not suitable for children, and should not be used if you have a fever (a temperature that is over 38C or 100.4F). Check with your pharmacist if you are unsure.</p><p>Prevention</p><p>Although it is not possible to prevent:</p><p> Good hand hygiene can help to limit spread of infection  Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, particularly after using the toilet, and before preparing food.  Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a Norovirus.  Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce, and only eat oysters from a reliable source because they have been known to carry the Norovirus.</p><p>If you have a Norovirus, you should avoid direct contact with others until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone. You should also avoid preparing food for others until at least three days after your symptoms have gone.</p><p>Gaa/jan08/norovirus</p>