Public Health are aware of an increase in people in the community suffering from rapid onset diarrhoea and/or vomiting. This is most likely due to norovirus, or the winter vomiting bug. This is typically a short-lived illness and although unpleasant, most people make a full recovery without needing medical care. 

The GHA is requesting that if you experience diarrhoea or vomiting, please do not go and visit your family or friends in hospital or ERS until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

If you are due to attend an outpatient appointment or radiology appointment such as breast screening and have had symptoms in the last 48 hours, please contact the relevant department, advise them that you are unwell and they will help to re-schedule your appointment.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, please call 111 for advice. 

Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Carter, said: “Please do not visit your friends or family in hospital or ERS until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. The reason this is important is because norovirus is very infectious and you may pass the infection onto patients and staff.

“The same advice applies to children returning to school. If they have had diarrhoea or vomiting, they should also remain at home until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped, in order to help reduce further spread in the community.

“Hand washing is essential to prevent the spread of this norovirus. Do not rely on using alcohol hand gels because these do not work for norovirus.”