Hospitals issue norovirus warning
Winter sickness bug is circulating in the Swansea Bay area
We're being urged not to visit patients in hospital in the Swansea Bay area if we're suffering symptoms linked to the winter sickness bug norovirus.
Medics say the bug, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, is circulating in the community.
Symptoms include a slight fever, headache, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
These symptoms may take a few days to appear (around 2-3 days) after you become infected and symptoms can typically last for up to two or three days. You may also still be infectious for a few days after your symptoms get better.
The bug is unpleasant for everyone, but usually doesn’t cause any long-lasting harm. However, for vulnerable hospital patients whose immune systems might not be as strong, it can be more serious.
A health board spokesperson said: "If you feel unwell, have any current Norovirus symptoms, or your sickness and diarrhoea has only recently stopped, the advice is not to visit hospitals. Even if you feel better you could still be infectious and pass the virus on to patients and staff.
"So do not visit the wards until you have been symptom free for at least 48 hours.
"If you have been caring for someone with these symptoms, please also consider you may be developing an infection, so do not visit until you are sure you have not become infected.
"We are also urging people who have Norovirus to stay at home, stay hydrated, and avoid coming to the Emergency Department. If you have sickness and diarrhoea, it usually passes by itself in a few days."
The best way to protect yourself and your family against Norovirus and other infectious illnesses is by washing your hands regularly with soap and water:
- Especially after using the toilet
- Before preparing or eating any food and drink.
- Do not share towels with those who are unwell.
- Regularly clean & disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items.
Did you know - alcohol gels and hand sanitisers are not always effective against Norovirus because they can’t penetrate the virus’s protective outer shell. (However alcohol gel and hand sanitisers do help against the Covid virus, as it’s made differently.) Thorough handwashing, however, is effective against both.
If you are worried and need further advice try the NHS Wales 111 online symptom-checker or call 111 for 24/7 medical advice and to access the out-of-hours GP service.