Winter vomiting disease - the facts
Written by Bupa's medical team - 23 January 2002
Winter vomiting disease is currently spreading fast through Scotland and northern England. The disease, also known as 'small round structured virus' (SRSV), is very infectious and brings on a sudden onset of vomiting. The vomiting period can last from 24-36 hours.
SRSV has affected many Scottish schools and caused several hospitals in Scotland to postpone operations and to refuse admission to new patients.
A spokesperson for the Public Health Laboratory Service said: "This disease is very easily spread and it is very virulent. It can be airborne when people vomit and it can be spread via diarrhoea.
"The most important thing to stress is washing your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. If you have got the disease, stay at home and don't rush back to school or work to avoid spreading it further."
The spokesperson also pointed out that while there is a high number of cases at the moment, SRSV normally peaks at this time of year and the current figures are not unexpectedly high.
It is estimated that between 600,000 - 1 million people are affected in the UK each year.
Below, we give you the low-down on the disease, how to avoid it and what to do if you are unfortunate enough to catch it.
What is winter vomiting disease?
Winter vomiting disease is an infection caused by a small virus that scientists find difficult to isolate. It is usually transmitted between people during the winter months.
It is thought to be most prevalent during winter because we spend more time indoors in crowded and smoky environments. The virus needs close proximity between people to be transferred, and smoke helps to weaken a person's immune defences.
The virus causes fever, sickness and diarrhoea and lasts for about 24-48 hours. The onset can be very sudden and it typically starts with an attack of vomiting which can be severe and of the projectile variety.
Should I be worried about winter vomiting disease?
The disease is unpleasant, but it is not fatal.
No one group is particularly at risk from the disease, although it spreads more quickly where people are in close contact with each other, such as schools.
There are no cures available for the disease at the moment.
How does winter vomiting disease spread?
It is normally transmitted through contamination with faecal waste or via infected vomit, so proper hand-washing and maintaining good hygiene is very important.
It can also spread from person to person via coughing and sneezing, and projectile vomiting, one of the characteristics of the disease.
The disease continues to be infectious for two days after the symptoms stop.
You can also get the virus from contaminated food and water, especially shellfish such as mussels and oysters.
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mac Armstrong said: "The illness causes symptoms which tend to last for one or two days and include vomiting and diarrhoea. Good hygiene, especially hand-washing can cut down the risk of spreading the virus, although it can still travel through the air to land on food and so infect other people."
What should I do if I get winter vomiting disease?
The advice is to stay at home, keep warm and drink plenty of fluids. Because the virus remains infectious for two days after the symptoms stop, it is important not to go back to work or school too soon to avoid spreading the disease to others.
Use paper tissues for blowing your nose and seal them in a polythene bag before throwing them in the bin.
The illness should get better by itself, but if it persists for longer than 48 hours or your health becomes rapidly worse you should see your doctor.
