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 Norovirus – viral gastroenteritis
Norovirus is an intestinal illness caused by norovirus (also known as Norwalk-like virus).
Norovirus is sometimes called ‘winter vomiting disease’ because people usually get it during the
winter months. However, it can occur at any time of the year.
It is very infectious and often occurs in outbreaks in schools, institutions and families. It can also
be brought into hospitals and cause outbreaks in wards. There are currently many cases in the
community and some have been reported at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals.
This information sheet outlines how you can prevent becoming infected with or spreading the
norovirus. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member
of staff.
How common is norovirus infection?
It is estimated that norovirus affects between 600,000 and one million people in the UK every
year.
What are the signs and symptoms?
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Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Stomach cramps
Infected people usually recover in two to three days without any serious long-term health
effects.
How do you get norovirus infection?
The virus can live in people and is passed on either in their vomit or stool (faeces). You may get
the infection if you swallow food or water that has been contaminated with the virus by an
infected person. Within a hospital or close community setting, the infection is most likely to
occur when a person’s vomit or diarrhoea contaminates their immediate environment. Other
people may then pick up the virus on their hands and transfer it into their mouths.
How soon after exposure to the virus do symptoms appear?
Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure, either through close contact with
people when they are ill or swallowing contaminated food or water.
How is norovirus diagnosed?
Diagnosis can usually be made from the symptoms and the short duration of the illness.
Sometimes samples of your stool or vomit need to be sent to a laboratory and examined to
confirm the diagnosis.
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What is the treatment for norovirus infection?
There is no specific treatment but you should drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. If you
become severely dehydrated, you may need to be given liquids directly into a vein, via a drip.
Can I pass the virus on to other people?
Yes. Once you have the virus, it will start to be excreted in your stool a few hours before you
have any symptoms. This means you can be infectious and pass it on to other people before
you feel ill. It will continue to be excreted for up to ten days. You are most infectious between 24
and 72 hours after your have been exposed to the virus.
How can norovirus be prevented and controlled?
Follow the steps below to help prevent the spread of norovirus:
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If you have symptoms of norovirus, you should not prepare or touch food for others to eat.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after toilet visits and before preparing or
eating food.
Wash raw fruit and vegetables before eating them.
Cook all shellfish thoroughly before eating – in outbreaks caused by infected food, shellfish
is the most commonly identified cause.
Dispose of all sewage in a sanitary manner into a toilet or nappy bin.
Disinfect all surfaces that may have become contaminated promptly.
Launder clothing and linen that may have become contaminated.
In hospitals:
Hospitals may introduce a number of precautionary measures to stop the spread of norovirus.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust has implemented these measures.
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Wards with an outbreak of the infection may be closed to prevent the infection being passed
to new arrivals. They may not be re-opened until 72 hours after the last new case.
Visiting in affected wards will be restricted to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Any visitors or relatives who have been unwell with the symptoms of the virus or in contact
with anyone with the virus should be discouraged from visiting.
Contact us
If you have any further questions about norovirus, please contact the nurse looking after you.
Pharmacy medicines helpline
For information about any medicines that you have been prescribed at Guy's and St Thomas'
hospitals, you can speak to the staff caring for you or call our helpline.
t: 020 7188 8748 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
To make comments or raise concerns about the Trust’s services, please contact PALS. Ask a
member of staff to direct you to the PALS office or:
t: 020 7188 8801 at St Thomas’
t: 020 7188 8803 at Guy’s e: [email protected]
NHS Direct
Offers health information and advice from specially trained nurses over the phone 24 hours a day.
t: 0845 4647
w: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Leaflet number: 2668/VER2
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Date published: November 2012
Review date: November 2015
© 2012 Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust