The Director of Public Health for Norfolk and Waveney is calling for members of the public to help keep hospitals and other health care centres free from tummy bugs.

Autumn and winter is a time when Norovirus, which causes sickness and diarrhoea, can spread to hospitals, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “the Winter Vomiting bug”. It can sweep through schools and offices too, causing disruption and distress.

 The Director of Public Health for Norfolk and Waveney, Dr Jenny Harries, said: “We are just starting to see this illness starting to spread in communities and we want to ensure we keep it out of the NHS as far as possible – that way people can continue to receive undisrupted care and have their operations as planned.

“We are asking visitors and relatives not to come into hospital if they have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the four days prior to an intended visit. Norovirus can seriously affect vulnerable patients and we have a duty to protect them.”

If you want to find out how to look after yourself if you become ill with a tummy bug, or how to look after a member of your family, there is really easy help at www.norfolk.nhs.uk/germbusters or at www.gywpct.nhs.uk. These websites form part of a public campaign launched in September showing how to prevent the spread of infection by simple hygiene in the home and at work.

The best thing you can do if you develop a tummy bug is rest, and try to drink small amounts of fluids. You can drink more as you feel better.

Don’t visit your GP surgery or local A&E Unit. You should recover naturally without any specific treatment.

If you are worried about prolonged symptoms, you can contact NHS Direct on www.nhs.uk, or 0845 4647, or ring your GP. They will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as children under the age of five or the elderly.

To find out more about Lowestoft College ring 0800 854695