"Concerns about cleanliness on stroke ward"

This type of diarrhoea and/or vomiting that spreads very quickly – especially within a confined environment such as a hospital. It also spreads very quickly in other close-knit areas such as cruise ships or schools. It is more common in colder months. Outbreaks are also common in nursing and residential homes. People who have norovirus have sickness and diarrhoea for around two or three days. They may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs. Although extremely unpleasant for the infected person the illness will subside without any treatment. It is very important to drink plenty of fluids whilst you have symptoms. It is very difficult for a hospital to stop the infection coming into the hospital environment, especially when there are high levels of the infection within a community. The symptoms can occur very quickly, almost without warning and can be spread to close contacts easily. However we take sensible precautions can help minimise the risk to others. When a patient has suspected norovirus ward staff are careful to identify it early and take necessary steps to prevent its spread. Visitors are asked, if they have had symptoms in the past two or three days to not come into hospital to visit. However they may not be aware they have the virus and outbreaks can be prolonged if someone else enters the environment with the virus.