EXPERT ADVICE Preventing the Spread


Care home equipment supplier Care Shop, takes a closer look at Norovirus infection control in care home settings.


Back in 2012, the outbreak of the ‘winter vomiting bug’ Norovirus struck down more than a million people in the UK, causing hospitals and schools to close. The highly contagious virus caused misery for those who had to endure its symptoms.


The 2012 outbreak was particularly memorable for its sheer scale, however it also drew attention to how important it is to control such an outbreak, and the most effective ways in which to do so.


Known as a winter vomiting bug only because it’s more common during colder seasons, Norovirus is once again making the rounds with outbreaks of varying scales currently being reported around the UK.


With this in mind now is the time to take action in your care home to keep residents safe and well, by practising proper infection control methods and encouraging healthy habits.


What is Norovirus? The nickname given to Norovirus is a misnomer as it’s possible to catch it during the summer months too, although much less likely. Norovirus is spread through very tiny particles of infected vomit or faeces, which could be inhaled or picked up by touching a contaminated surface, or eating contaminated food.


As well as projectile vomiting, the virus also causes watery diarrhoea, as well as fever, headaches, stomach cramps and aches. Its symptoms are severely unpleasant in the short term and will manifest one to two days after contracting the virus, but they only last for two or three days once they have appeared.


What sets Norovirus apart from other stomach bugs is that it is extremely contagious, and those suffering are encouraged not to visit their GP to further prevent the virus spreading.


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The other reason Norovirus is memorable is because there is no cure — Norovirus is a virus, not a bacteria, and therefore antibiotics won’t be effective. Instead, if medical advice is really needed, it should be sought by calling the GP or NHS 111.


Preventing the spread Hospitals, schools, and care homes are unfortunately common sources of outbreaks as they are semi-closed environments where people are in close contact with one another for long periods of time. Therefore, special efforts must be made to prevent an outbreak from occurring in the first instance. The Healthcare Infection Society has specific guidelines for managing norovirus in healthcare settings, but here are our most important tips:


• During the winter months when Norovirus risks are at their highest, it’s important that care home staff and residents regularly and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water to remove any Norovirus particles from their skin. Hand washing is the single most important step that you can take in care home infection control. After washing hands, always use an antibacterial hand gel.


• Those that have contracted the virus should be isolated from those without the virus, whether in separate rooms or even areas of the care home, and use different facilities. This should continue for up to 48 hours after symptoms have passed.


• Care home staff should wear PPE including disposable gloves, apron and face mask when tending to residents with the virus.


• All surfaces that could be contaminated should be disinfected.


• Fabrics that could be contaminated should be washed immediately on a hot wash to kill the virus.


• Infected vomit or faeces in the toilet should be flushed away with the lid closed and then the entire surrounding area cleaned and disinfected.


• Fresh produce should be washed and thoroughly cooked before consumption.


• Visitors to your care home should be limited only to those that are essential.


Norovirus is a particularly difficult virus to control, but with the right preparation and plans in place, it’s possible to avoid being part of the statistics.


www.careshop.co.uk www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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