WITH winter on its way, hospitals and GP surgeries in the Cotswolds and across Gloucestershire have launched a campaign to halt the spread of norovirus.

The campaign calls on people in the county to stay away from healthcare facilities if they have shown signs of the infection – which is particularly prevalent during the colder months – as well as how to avoid it.

Norovirus – also known as winter vomiting disease or winter vomiting bug – is extremely contagious and is spread through both direct and indirect contact, such as when eating food prepared by someone with the virus.

Among the messages of the campaign are to stay away from hospitals and other healthcare facilities while suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea and up to 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

Director of infection prevention and control at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Maggie Arnold said she hoped staff, patients and visitors all did their part to stop the spread of the infection.

“Norovirus is a major threat to the smooth-running and capacity of hospitals every winter,” she said.

“Anything that we can do that prevents norovirus being introduced into a hospital setting will reduce the number of outbreaks and ward closures each year.”

Anyone who has suffered with symptoms of the infection is also being asked to avoid preparing food for other people for at least two days after they have recovered and should wash their hands with warm water and soap frequently.

Although norovirus is usually short-lived, when people are already ill it can interfere with their treatment and recovery. Most people recover within 48 hours, but it can also cause serious dehydration, particularly among the elderly.

Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust director of nursing Susan Field said: “We recognise how infectious and how unwell norovirus can make people feel and because of this we fully support this campaign.

“Trust colleagues will be doing all they can to reinforce these very simple messages to prevent the spread of norovirus to our patients, their family members, carers and colleagues in order to minimise the infection risk from this virus.”

GP and deputy clinical chair at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group Dr Andy Seymour, said everyone involved in healthcare had a role to play in stopping the spread of the disease.

“We would urge everyone to take heed of the important messages and act responsibly,” he said. “It could make a real difference and could even save lives.”

Anyone concerned they may have contracted norovirus should stay away from their GP surgery or hospital and instead call NHS 111, which is available for free 24 hours a day.