Why are there so many outbreaks of winter vomiting virus in hospitals these days resulting in no visits?
The Winter vomiting viruses can spread rapidly in any institutions – schools, universities, hospitals, cruise ships etc. Hospitals try and prevent its spread to other ward areas by isolating the wards that have infected patients on them. Invariably this means no visits, but this helps because there is less risk of visitors carrying it to other areas of the hospital by cross-contaminating the common areas eg lifts, stairs etc. The virus occurs in the community and probably got into the hospital via a sick patient or visitor. GPs generally ask infected patients to remain at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have gone and stay away from surgeries and hospitals.
