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NOROVIRUS

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 ’.

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NOROVIRUS

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  1. NOROVIRUS

  2. 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’.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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)

  7. 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.

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

  9. The flu

  10. Isn’t flu just a heavy cold? • No. Colds are much less serious and usually start gradually with a sore throat and stuffy or funny nose.

  11. 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.

  12. 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

  13. Prevention

  14. 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)

  15. When are flu vaccines given? • The best time is between September and early November ready for the winter

  16. 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

  17. Can the flu jab actually cause flu? • No. The vaccine doesn’t contain any live virus, so it can’t 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.

  18. Is there anyone who shouldn’t get a flu jab? • If you have a serious allergy to hens eggs, you shouldn’t get vaccinated. • You shouldn’t 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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