NOROVIRUS
Norovirus infection is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis, and causes abrupt onset of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Symptoms usually last 1-2 days and affected individuals may continue to excrete the virus for up to 48 hours after becoming symptom free. This infection is highly contagious and following an episode of diarrhoea or vomiting the environment may become heavily contaminated with the virus, facilitating spread to staff, other residents and visitors. Scrupulous attention to the highest standards of infection prevention and control practice are required to prevent transmission to yourself and others.
A number of resources are available below which you may find helpful to use in your setting. If you consider that you have an outbreak of viral gastro-enteritis please ensure that you report this and seek advice on successful management.
Link to Health Protection Agency General Information on Norovirus
NHS Choices website Norovirus Information website
OTHER INFORMATION FOR NURSING STAFF:
INFLUENZA
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection which tends to occur during winter months. The two main types of influenza which cause disease are influenza type A and influenza type B. Outbreaks may occur in community or communal settings such as schools and healthcare including care home settings.
The onset of symptoms indicative of influenza is sudden with a fever of over 38oc, dry cough, headaches, general aches and pains in joints and muscles, chills and a feeling of fatigue. Flu vaccinations are promoted to at risk groups of the population each year to reduce the impact of this infection which can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Antibiotics are not required for treatment of influenza as it is a viral infection but some groups of the population, if identified at an early stage may be offered antiviral treatment.
COVID-19
Infection prevention and control in adult social care: COVID-19 supplement - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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Infection Prevention and Control Team Tel: 01386 502552 Mobile: 07798608171. These pages are maintained by Louisehough@nhs.net
