Norovirus

Norovirus infection is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis, and causes abrupt onset of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Symptoms usually last 1-2 days and affected individuals may continue to excrete the virus for up to 48 hours after becoming symptom free. This infection is highly contagious and following an episode of diarrhoea or vomiting the environment may become heavily contaminated with the virus, facilitating spread to staff, other residents and visitors. Scrupulous attention to the highest standards of infection prevention and control practice are required to prevent transmission to yourself and others.

A number of resources are available below which you may find helpful to use in your setting.  If you consider that you have an outbreak of viral gastroenteritis please ensure that you report this and seek advice on successful management.

• Gastro - xmas poster
• Stop - Think - Wash your hands
• Gastro outbreak poster
• No norovirus - poster 1
• No norovirus - poster 2

Visit gov.uk: Norovirus - guidance, data and analysis

Other information for nursing staff: 

• Outbreak Information Pack - Viral Gastroenteritis (care homes)
• Outbreak record sheet
• PHE Norovirus leaflet
• UKHSA Norovirus Toolkit
• Norovius outbreak - poster for entrances
• Stool type record chart
• Outbreak chart - Excel
• HPA Norovirus Prevention; Precautions; Identification
• NHS How To Take A Stool Sample - YouTube (Without Subtitles)
• NHS How To Take A Stool Sample with subtitle - YouTube (With Subtitles)