PEOPLE are being asked to avoid visiting patients at Worcestershire Royal Hospital due to an outbreak of norovirus.
Bosses at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have said if a visit is essential it should be restricted to immediate family members only and there should only be a maximum of two visitors per patient at any one time.
Children under the age of 16 are also being asked to keep away to try and stop the bug spreading to schools, nurseries and playgroups.
The Trust has said by limiting the number of people coming into the hospital wards they hope it will significantly reduce the risk of norovirus spreading and help keep the hospital running smoothly.Lindsey Webb, chief nursing officer, said: “Norovirus is very common during the winter months.
“We would continue to ask anyone with any symptoms of norovirus infection such as diarrhoea and/or vomiting to stay at home and not come to the hospital until they have been symptom free for at least 48 hours. For advice please telephone your GP or NHS 111 rather than risk transmitting the infection further.”
There is no specific treatment for norovirus apart from letting the illness run its course. While it is highly infectious and there are still some simple infection control procedures to follow:
· Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
· Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet
· Food preparation for others should be avoided until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided
· Do not share towels and flannels
· Disinfect surfaces
If the symptoms do not quickly subside or anyone who has additional concerns should call their GP or NHS 111 for advice.
