Winter vomiting bug hits Brechin Infirmary
THE CONTINUING care ward at Brechin Infirmary has been closed to new admissions after an outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Thought to be the winter vomiting bug, also known as the norovirus, the closure has been ordered as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus.
NHS Tayside say all appropriate infection control measures have been put in place.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: "Winter vomiting is extremely common at this time of year in the wider community.
"To help us minimise the spread of these bugs, we ask people who may be feeling unwell or experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea not to visit their friends and family members who are in hospital. We would urge them to stay away until at least 48 hours after they are free of all symptoms."
The virus has hit a number of wards in NHS Tayside in recent weeks, but Ninewells Hospital has been the worst hit.
The most common symptoms of the norovirus are nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. However, not all of those infected will experience all of the symptoms and some people may also have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs.
Symptoms usually begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is self-limiting and the symptoms will last for 12 to 60 hours. Most people make a full recovery within one or two days.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, apart from letting the illness run its course. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Good hygiene is important in preventing others from becoming infected – this includes thorough hand washing after using the toilet. Food preparation should also be avoided until 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided.
There is no one specific group who are at risk of contracting norovirus – it affects people of all ages. The very young and elderly should take extra care if infected, as dehydration is more common in these age groups.
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Weather for Brechin
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
