The Department of Health welcomes the updated guidance on norovirus published today.
Developed by the British Infection Association with other professional bodies, the updated guidance provides a more flexible approach to outbreak management and advocates that, where clinically appropriate, an outbreak can be managed by closing bays to new admissions.
The new guidance is an important addition to the evidence base on how to manage and control outbreaks of norovirus effectively. The guidance also emphasises the importance of NHS organisations having systems in place to deal effectively with norovirus as part of their winter preparedness plans.
About norovirus
Illness caused by norovirus is generally mild and people usually recover fully within two to three days.
However, outbreaks can be problematic in hospitals and it is important that NHS organisations have systems in place to deal effectively with norovirus as part of their winter preparedness plans.
More about norovirus on NHS Choices