Health chiefs warn over vomiting virus

Cold weather brings an annual outbreak of winter vomiting disease—a gut infection which is rarely dangerous but always unpleasant. Caused by the norovirus, symptoms include vomiting, fever, headaches and aching limbs.

The infection is spread by poor bathroom hygiene, particularly via toilet seats and door handles when hands are not washed properly. It can also be passed when viruses in a sufferer’s vomit enter the air.

A hospital spokeswoman said: “We advise anyone with symptoms to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to patients, other people and vulnerable groups in our communities. The illness is generally short-lived and most people make a full recovery within one to two days.”

She advised that those who suspect they may have contracted the illness to use the symptom checker on the NHS Direct website, available at www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect.

Patients whose symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, who are elderly or are particularly vulnerable to infections should contact their GP.

Emergency medics in A&E are also urging people to consider their options before attending hospital for minor injuries.

Deputy business and service manager Lesley Hammond said: “A&E is designed for emergency care, but increasingly we are seeing people who do not necessarily need hospital treatment.”