Help protect our patients from winter illnesses
Please help us to protect our patients and staff from highly contagious illnesses like Norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting), COVID-19, Flu and other respiratory infections that are easily spread
When these infections are brought into a hospital environment, they can transfer to vulnerable patients and the staff who are working hard to care for them.
How you can help
If you are feeling unwell with COVID-19, flu-like symptoms or diarrhoea or vomiting:
Do
-
use tissues when you sneeze and to blow your nose if you have flu-like symptoms. Then discard the tissues into a waste bin immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly after. Catch it, bin it, kill it
-
speak to the department manager or ward sister/manager before you visit, If you have an urgent appointment or it is essential to visit a friend/relative
-
wash and dry your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the bathroom and before touching food.
Don’t
-
do not visit the hospital if you are living in the same household as someone who has symptoms of norovirus or flu
-
do not visit the hospital until you have been free of symptoms
-
do not rely on alcohol hand sanitiser alone
Norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting)
Norovirus, also known as ‘winter vomiting disease’, is highly contagious. It affects people of all ages and can be spread very easily through water, food, air, and direct and indirect contact.
Symptoms include vomiting, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and raised temperatures.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the previous 2 days, please do not visit our hospitals.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but you should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
If you are worried or concerned, call NHS 111 in the first instance for advice.
Influenza (flu) and other respiratory viruses
Flu and other respiratory ailments are common infectious viral illnesses which can be highly contagious.
Main symptoms include a raised temperature, tiredness and general exhaustion, headaches and general aches and pains.
You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, rest at home and keep warm.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills)
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
For most people, their condition generally improves within a few days or weeks after the onset of initial COVID-19 symptoms.
However, for certain vulnerable people, COVID-19 can lead to a more severe illness, and their symptoms may persist for an extended duration.
COVID-19 symptoms and what to do
NHS.UK has more information about COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you have them.
Measles
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.
Vaccination can help reduce the risk of RSV causing serious problems, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
- Adults will be invited for the vaccine by their GP practice when they turn 75.
- Pregnant women can have a free vaccine in each pregnancy (between 28 and 36 weeks) to protect their babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at our hospitals
Although the risk of getting an infection while in hospital is low, careful attention to the prevention and control of infections is a high priority for us.
Through a variety of initiatives, we have performed well against targets to reduce the incidence and spread of healthcare associated infections like MRSA and Clostridium difficile. We have robust plans in place to do this, but you can also help us by:
- washing your hands with soap and water and/or using the alcohol hand gels when you enter or leave a ward or department
- telling a member of staff when the alcohol gel dispenser is empty
- politiely challenging a member of staff if you notice they have not washed their hands or used alcohol gel when they are treating you or another patient
- staying at home if you have a cold, infection or stomach upset, only visiting if you have been symptom free for 72 hours
- sitting on a chair at a patient's bedside, not the bed
- telling a member of staff if you have any concerns about the cleanliness of our wards or departments.