Dealing With Norovirus

While Norovirus rates are reducing, they remain very high, and the NHS is continuing to see the impact on local hospitals as well as care and nursing homes.

Inappropriate patient attendance to A&E for health advice and visiting relatives/friends in health and care settings are routes by which the infection can easily spread.

Local authorities are actively sharing public-facing communications to keep the public informed.

Please ensure that the following key messages are included for patients who approach your pharmacy regarding viral diarrhoea and vomiting (D&V):

1. Self-care advice and guidance on when to contact 111 or 999, including information for the public provided here: Urgent and emergency care services - NHS
2. Exclusion advice, highlighting that patients should remain at home until they are 48 hours symptom-free to reduce onward transmission—particularly to vulnerable individuals within hospitals or Care/Nursing homes

Additionally, where possible, share the following patient information leaflet:

Norovirus (vomiting bug) - NHS