Sickness and Diarrhoea

Dear Parent/Guardian/Carer,

In the last week, there have been several children at De Lucy Primary School unwell with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. Although not confirmed, this is usually caused by Norovirus.  

Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is the most common stomach bug in the 

1. It can spread easily through close contact, or by contaminated surfaces, food or water.

The main symptoms of norovirus include a sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, usually 1 to 2 days after becoming infected. Other common symptoms include a high fever, a headache and aching arms and legs. Good hand hygiene is important to stop it spreading.

To stop norovirus spreading, you should:

• Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water after using the toilet or contact with a sick individual and before preparing and eating food (supervise younger children).
• Not rely on alcohol gels instead of washing your hands, as these do not kill the virus.
• Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.

Exclusion: an affected child or member of staff is advised to stay away from education/child-care settings until 48 hours after vomiting and/or diarrhoea have stopped. This is a very important measure that schools/nurseries are asked to adopt to limit the spread of infection.

Most people will make a full recovery in 2-3 days without needing medicine. It is important to 

keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.

Try not to visit A&E or GP surgeries if you have symptoms of norovirus unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this may spread the bug to others. Call ahead to a GP or ring NHS 111 if you are worried about symptoms.

Further information is available at NHS 111 or online at www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/

Yours faithfully,

Mrs L Cox

Pupil Wellbeing