Princess Royal University Hospital visitors asked to stay away due to norovirus (From News Shopper)

Princess Royal University Hospital visitors asked to stay away due to norovirus

3:35pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News By Robert Fisk

VISITORS are being asked to stay away from the Princess Royal University Hospital because of ‘a high incidence of norovirus’.

To reduce the spread of the illness some wards at the hospital in Farnborough have been closed to new admissions.

And it is asking people to help by only visiting if it is completely necessary and wards are being advised to not permit more than two relatives/ carers per patients at any one time.

A spokeswoman for the South London Hospital NHS Trust said: “There is currently a high incidence of norovirus at the PRUH.

“A number of measures are in place to deal with this and the situation is improving.

"The hospital is not closed either to patients or to visitors.

"However we are strongly recommending that only essential visitors come in to the hospital.

“If you have any of the symptoms of noro virus please do not come in to hospital unless you are seeking A&E help yourself."

Information on norovirus

If you are unwell, you should follow the advice below and ensure you are getting enough fluids.

If you need further advice for yourself or your family, please contact your GP or speak to your local pharmacist.

Symptoms of a norovirus infection include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, a fever, headache, stomach cramps and aching limbs.

Symptoms can last for 12 to 60 hours, but most people recover within two days.

There is no specific treatment but it is important that people with diarrhoea and vomiting drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The virus is easily spread from person to person therefore individuals should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact with an affected person or environment.

To help reduce the spread of the virus, people who are affected should:

• Avoid attending A&E if possible – unless symptoms are severe or there are complicating factors.
• Not visit people in hospital or in care homes until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.
• Stay off work whilst unwell and for 48 hours after the symptoms have resolved.
• Parents should be advised to keep affected children away from school, nursery, playgroup or childminding services whilst they are unwell and for 48 hours after the child has recovered.