Norovirus at high levels in Ireland
Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue over the festive season.
Norovirus (often called the winter vomiting bug), causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, easily spread by close contact between people. Visit HPSC.ie for information on norovirus and how to protect you and your family, and how to clean up after someone has vomited.
This seasonal surge in norovirus is coinciding with rising influenza cases, putting extra pressure on health and care services. We can all help by taking simple precautions:
- If you have respiratory symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhoea, do not visit hospitals, nursing homes, or vulnerable people at home.
- Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell.
Outbreaks of norovirus and flu in hospitals and nursing homes can cause serious disruption and increase risks for patients and staff. Your actions make a difference.
Updates on norovirus cases are published weekly on the HPSC's national notifiable disease hub.
Key messages for the public:
Norovirus, for most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. It can usually be managed at home - drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed. It's not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice below can help stop the virus spreading.
- Stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have passed. You should avoid visiting anyone in hospital or care homes, or going out to socialise while sick, and for 48 hours afterwards.
- If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, try to avoid visiting Emergency Departments - talk to your pharmacist or GP by phone instead. It is important not to bring norovirus into health or care settings; if staff become infected, this can lead to disruption of service, or closure of premises. If vulnerable patients become infected, the consequences can be very serious.
- However, if you think you are really unwell, you should not delay in going to the Emergency Department, but tell staff at reception that you have vomiting and diarrhoea so that precautions can be taken.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill noroviruses.
- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated or soiled. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner. HPSC has advice on cleaning and disinfection.
- Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately in a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.
- Don't share towels and face cloths.
- Flush away any infected poo or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area thoroughly.
- Avoid eating raw, unwashed food produce.
For more information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of norovirus visit https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/norovirus/