Illness hits healthcare
Covid, flu and norovirus takes toll on public sector
THE Westcountry is facing a three-pronged health threat as cases of Covid-19, flu and the sickness bug norovirus dramatically increase.
Health officials in Devon warn that public services, particularly health care, are beginning to suffer with rising numbers of patients in hospital with coronavirus, while staff absences soar because of Covid and other winter illness on the rise.
Increased social contact following the loosening of coronavirus restrictions is thought to be one of the factors behind the increase in illnesses, which are known to spread quickly in the winter.
Norovirus – sometimes known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ – is particularly contagious and there are often outbreaks in schools and hospitals.
While cases of flu are increasing, they are still currently lower than normal levels, but the flu season generally lasts through to the end of March and people can catch either virus at any time of the year.
NHS Devon’s chief nurse Darryn Allcorn said: “Covid-19 hasn’t gone away and with increased social contact between people we are seeing rates of flu and norovirus rise too. They are very common viruses and will clear up in most people, however it can make some people very unwell.
“Please check visiting restrictions before you leave and do not visit people in hospital or care homes if you have symptoms of flu, Covid-19 or norovirus.
“If you are attending a hospital or your GP you are still required to wear a face mask, unless you are medically exempt.”
Covid-19 cases are high right across the Westcountry, with North Somerset currently the worst area in England for the virus, closely followed by Cornwall
The UK Health Security Agency, which is responsible for public health protection, has also warned about rising virus levels.
Professor Saheer Gharbia, who specialises in food safety and gastrointestinal bugs for UKHSA, said: “As people have begun to mix more, the numbers of outbreaks have started to increase again.
“Please avoid visiting elderly relatives if you are unwell – particularly if they are in a care home or hospital.
“As with Covid-19 and other infectious illnesses, hand washing is really important to help stop the spread of this bug, but remember, unlike for
Covid-19 alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and water is best.”
Norovirus, also called the ‘winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days. Norovirus is spread through close contact with infected people, eating food they have handled or by touching surfaces with the virus on.
The main symptoms are sickness and diarrhoea, often also with a high temperature, headache and aching limbs. Sufferers should rest at home, with lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. The best way to stop it spreading is through washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include a temperature, aching body, exhaustion, a dry cough, sore throat, headache and nausea or diarrhoea.
To help sufferers get better more quickly those affected should rest, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce their temperature and treat aches and pain and drink plenty of water.
Doctors are urging anyone suffering with these conditions to get advice and over-the-counter medicines from their local pharmacist unless symptoms become severe.
People can also get advice on common illnesses and when to get further help through NHS 111 online or by phone and for childhood illnesses on the Handi paediatric app. For life-threatening emergencies people should call 999.