King’s Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital calls on community to help prevent vomiting bugs
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is asking for the help of the community to prevent vomiting bugs. - Credit: Archant
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn is calling on the community to help their drive to control infectious vomiting bugs.
With an outbreak of the Norovirus bug currently developing in the area, affecting residents and patients in several community care settings as well as at home and work, it is now essential for everyone to be aware of the preventative steps they should adhere to in order to prevent this infection.
Key to this is people who have experienced diarrhea and vomiting in the past 72 hours not coming to the hospital unless it is an absolute emergency.
The hospital launched its ‘Keeping Safe This Winter’ campaign in September with the key aim of building awareness of how to prevent the spread of the winter vomiting bug.
Delivered as three simple steps the hospital’s advice is:
1. Wash hands with soap and water.
Norovirus is not killed by alcohol gel or wipes but it can be completely washed off so always wash your hands before eating; Norovirus has to get into the mouth to cause an infection.
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2. Take care preparing, handling and serving food.
This is the most common route of Norovirus spreading throughout the community. Think carefully before bringing food and drink for patients into the Trust, especially unwrapped food which is vulnerable to germs.
3. Do not visit the hospital if you have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 72 hours whether you are a patient or visitor.
If you need medical support contact your GP.
Dr Ian Hosein, Associate Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control, said: “The most common way Norovirus and similar germs are spread is through ingestion.”
“We can eliminate the bug within the hospital but it will keep returning if visitors carry it in or if patients are admitted with symptoms.”
He added “Visitors who have experienced diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms in the past 72 hours are asked not to visit the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
“If you are experiencing such symptoms, but are otherwise healthy, please stay at home. If you are concerned you should consult your GP in the first instance.”
