RELATIVES and friends are being asked to refrain from visiting patients in hospital if they develop symptoms of Norovirus this winter.

The Great Western Hospital is keen to prevent the spread of the infection to vulnerable patients, and is urging anyone who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea to cancel their visit and stay at home Norovirus causes viral gastroenteritis, which is characterised by the sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

It is common for Norovirus to be present in the community in places like schools, nurseries and care homes, particularly during the winter.

People showing symptoms of Norovirus are advised to take the following precautions: l Don't visit friends or relatives in hospital or care homes. It is usually through this route that the infection is spread and once it is in a hospital it means bays have to be closed reducing the number of beds available to other sick patients.

  •  Drink plenty to replace lost fluids. If symptoms persist more than 48 hours phone a GP or NHS Direct for advice.
  •  Stay away from work, or school, until free of symptoms for at least 48 hours.
  •  Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, particularly after toilet visits and before eating. Standard alcohol hand gel is not effective against Norovirus.
  •  Stay at home, ensure personal hygiene is good, particularly hand-washing, and avoid contact with others where possible.
  •  Don’t handle or prepare food for other people until they have been symptom free for a minimum period of 48 hours.