NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Infection Prevention team are reminding locals that we’re entering that time of year commonly known as ‘winter vomiting’ season.

Winter vomiting virus - Norovirus - is the most common cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis (stomach and gut upsets) in the UK.

It is easily spread, so if you’re affected, it’s particularly important to stay away from work or school, and to avoid visiting relatives or friends in hospital, until you have been free of symptoms for 48 hours.

Symptoms of Norovirus begin about 15 to 50 hours after becoming infected with the virus. They usually start with nausea followed by projectile vomiting and/or diarrhoea. Some people may have a fever, headache or aching limbs. Symptoms normally last from 12 - 60 hours and most people make a full recovery in one to two days from the start of symptoms.

Bob Wilson, Infection Control Manager – NHS Ayrshire & Arran, leads the team which investigates outbreaks of Norovirus in our hospitals.

He explained: “People of any age can be affected by Norovirus, but the elderly and very young are particularly at risk. So if you have had symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting and have relatives in hospital or a care home, please don’t visit them until you are free of symptoms for 48 hours. And if you have a relative in a hospital or care home where there is an outbreak of Norovirus, please only visit if it’s absolutely necessary, and visit only one person. We also ask you not to bring young children to visit, to avoid eating and drinking while you’re there, and to wash your hands before and after your visit.” For more information about Norovirus, visit Health Protection Scotland’s website, www.hps.scot.nhs.uk.