Viral Gastroenteritis (Norovirus)

What is viral gastroenteritis? 

It is an illness that is caused by a number of different viruses, with norovirus being the most common in adults.

There are more cases during the winter and therefore it is sometimes called ‘winter vomiting disease’, but it can occur at any time of year and can cause outbreaks of diarrhoea and/or vomiting in hospital, care homes, schools and cruise liners.

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting – which may be projectile 
• Diarrhoea – often watery
• Stomach pains and cramps 

Onset is usually sudden, typically without warning.  Symptoms usually last between 24–48 hours. 

How is viral gastroenteritis spread?

Anyone can get it, but the very young and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. You can get it: 

• From other people who are ill with viral gastroenteritis – from contact with their stool or vomit 
• Through the air when they are vomiting
• On the hands of staff, patients or visitors through direct physical contact
• Through contaminated equipment 
• From food contaminated by someone who has viral gastroenteritis

If I get it, what will happen to me? 

Most patients with viral gastroenteritis are better cared for at home with sufficient rest and through drinking plenty of clear fluids, such as water. 

If you have to be admitted to hospital

Staff will wear apron, gloves and face mask to look after you. This is to prevent spreading the infection to others.

You must make sure that you wash your hands well after using the toilet and before meals. It is better to use soap and water as alcohol hand rub is not effective against norovirus. 

If you develop diarrhoea and vomiting whilst in hospital, you will be asked to provide a stool sample which will be sent to the laboratory for testing.  Once the illness is over, no further action is necessary.

Will I need treatment?

Antibiotics are not needed to treat Norovirus. Rest and fluids are the only recommended treatments. 

Food and drink 

Diarrhoea and vomiting can result in dehydration. It is important to drink plenty of fluid in order to prevent this. 

Can I have visitors?

We would advise that you don’t have visitors while you have symptoms as norovirus is very infectious. 

If you do have visitors, they will need to wash their hands with soap and water before entering and every time they leave your room. 

They are not required to wear aprons and gloves when entering your room, unless they are helping with your care.

Visitors must not visit if they have any symptoms of norovirus themselves. 

In some cases the Infection control team may take the decision to restrict visiting if an outbreak of infection is suspected. Visiting will recommence as normal when the period of outbreak and cleaning of ward area is completed. 

Laundry

Clothes can become easily soiled during this time, so we advise that ward nightwear is used by patients until the symptoms stop. 

If your own clothing does become soiled it will be placed in a plastic bag in the locker to be taken by relatives and laundered. 

Wash these clothes separately on the hottest wash suitable for the garment. Remember to wash your hands after handling soiled linen.

Can I be discharged home with norovirus? 

Patients can be discharged to their own home, even if they have norovirus, as long as they are generally fit for discharge and will be able to manage their symptoms at home. 

Patients with norovirus who are awaiting discharge/transfer to a nursing/residential home or other hospital must be symptom free for 72 hours. This is to stop the spread of norovirus to other patients/staff in other healthcare facilities.

This information has been reviewed by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices to check it is easy to understand. Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Voices is a panel of cancer patients who volunteer to read NHS information to make sure it makes sense to people. They have been brought together by Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance.