Help protect our patients from winter illnesses
Please help us to protect our patients and staff from highly contagious illnesses. COVID-19, influenza, other respiratory infections, norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting) and measles are easily spread.
When these infections are brought into a hospital environment, they can transfer to vulnerable patients and the staff who are working hard to care for them.
How you can help
If you are feeling unwell with COVID-19, flu-like symptoms or diarrhoea or vomiting:
Do
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use tissues when you sneeze and to blow your nose if you have flu-like symptoms. Then discard the tissues into a waste bin immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly after. Catch it, bin it, kill it
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speak to the department manager or ward sister/manager before you visit, If you have an urgent appointment or it is essential to visit a friend/relative
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wash and dry your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the bathroom and before touching food.
Don’t
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do not visit the hospital if you are living in the same household as someone who has symptoms of norovirus or flu
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do not visit the hospital until you have been free of symptoms
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do not rely on alcohol hand sanitiser alone
Flu update 8 January: protecting vulnerable patients
In common with NHS organisations across the country, we have seen a sharp rise in flu and respiratory illness over the last few weeks – and in particular since the start of January. As such, we are asking all staff and encouraging patients and visitors to wear a surgical face mask in our direct attend areas, as well as on wards with especially vulnerable patients.
This temporary measure is designed to reduce the risk of infection and enhance the safety of all concerned. It will only remain in force for as long as strictly necessary. Surgical masks will be provided on site – you do not need to bring your own.
Full list of areas where masks are encouraged for visitors:
- All direct attend areas e.g. both Emergency Departments, Surgical Assessment Unit, Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), Maternity Triage, Paediatric Admissions Unit (PAU), Frailty Assessment Service (FAS), Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU), TATU
- Department of Critical Care and Paediatric HDU
- Renal inpatient wards (7th floor at GRH)
- Haematology and Oncology wards including Lilleybrook, Rendcomb, Avening ward and Paediatric oncology unit (Emily Kent), Acute Haematology Oncology Unit (AHOU), Radiotherapy and Oncology outpatients.
- Respiratory Unit (8th floor at GRH)
We also ask those with respiratory symptoms, such as a cough or a cold, to avoid visiting friends, family, and loved ones at our hospital. Instead, please contact the ward team to discuss alternative options.
Influenza (flu) and other respiratory viruses
Flu and other respiratory ailments are common infectious viral illnesses which can be highly contagious.
Main symptoms include a raised temperature, tiredness and general exhaustion, headaches and general aches and pains.
You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, rest at home and keep warm.
Norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting)
Norovirus, also known as ‘winter vomiting disease’, is highly contagious. It affects people of all ages and can be spread very easily through water, food, air, and direct and indirect contact.
Symptoms include vomiting, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and raised temperatures.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the previous 2 days, please do not visit our hospitals.
There is no specific treatment for norovirus, but you should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
If you are worried or concerned, call NHS 111 in the first instance for advice.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
COVID-19 symptoms can include:
- a high temperature or shivering (chills)
- a new, continuous cough
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- an aching body
- a headache
- a sore throat
- a blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
For most people, their condition generally improves within a few days or weeks after the onset of initial COVID-19 symptoms.
However, for certain vulnerable people, COVID-19 can lead to a more severe illness, and their symptoms may persist for an extended duration.
COVID-19 symptoms and what to do
NHS.UK has more information about COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if you have them.
Measles
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily and can cause serious problems in some people. Having the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent it.
Measles usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Some people may also get small spots in their mouth.