Norovirus
Date issued: March 2024
For review: March 2026
Ref: C-566/AKR/Learning Disability Team/Norovirus
PDF: Norovirus.pdf [pdf] 284KB
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus causes gastroenteritis (tummy bug) in the community and hospital.
It is often worse in the winter but can happen at any time of year.
It can start suddenly with vomiting (being sick) or diarrhoea (watery poo).
It can cause flu-like symptoms and tummy cramps.
It can take one to two days to get the symptoms. It can take three days to get better.
How did I get Norovirus?
From contact with the vomit or poo of an infected person or on things that you have touched.
Being close to a person who is vomiting.
Person to person by the hands.
Who is at risk?
All patients are at risk.
How can we stop the spread?
Staff will wash hands using soap and water. Alcohol hand rub will not work for Norovirus. Staff are happy for you to ask if we have washed our hands.
If you have Norovirus, you should be nursed in a single room.
Staff will be wearing an apron and sometimes gloves when in the room.
What can you do?
Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, and before and after eating.
Please tell a member of staff if you had watery poo or were vomiting before you came to hospital. Also tell if this starts in hospital.
What does it mean for you and your family?
Please speak to a member of staff about having visitors. Visitors cannot visit if they have any loose poo or are vomiting.
Going Home
Norovirus should not stop you being discharged to your own home.
