In winter months norovirus and flu are common. Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is highly infectious. Both infections can be passed on in many different environments where lots of people are gathered together such as schools, offices and hospitals.

When an outbreak of infection occurs in hospital, it is often necessary to close affected wards to help control the outbreak and ensure that patients are treated in appropriate areas to minimise the risk of passing on the virus. Staff follow strict procedures to limit the spread of infections, this can include wearing special protective equipment. Infected wards are reviewed on a regular basis and undergo a deep clean once the viruses are no longer present in any staff or patients.  

One of the most important measures to prevent the spread of infection is to encourage good hygiene - it is very important that staff, patients and visitors wash their hands with soap and water after contact with someone who is ill.

It is vital that anyone who is feeling unwell with gastrointestinal symptoms, vomiting and or diarrhoea, should not visit hospitals as this increases the risk of spreading the infection to patients and staff.