Health advice as norovirus sweeps North Solihull schools

HEALTH chiefs are urging people suffering from the winter vomiting bug - which has recently forced the closure of several North Solihull schools - to stop at home.
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has issued advice to those who are struck down by the norovirus.
The guidance released today (Monday), follows the decision of several schools to shut for "deep cleans".
Smith's Wood Academy and John Henry Newman Catholic College had announced closures and Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst soon followed suit
Acting principal of Tudor Grange, Matthew Boyle, said he had taken the decision following discussions with Public Health England. The school was due to reopen today.
Writing to parents last week, Mr Boyle said: "[It is] a brief period to enable a full deep clean and to allow students and staff to recover from any prevailing illness."
NHS advice for those who have fallen sick is as follows:

• Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.
• Do not visit anyone at hospital while you are still contagious.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don't rely on alcohol hand gels, as they do not kill the virus.
• Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It's best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.
• Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.
• Don't share towels and flannels.
• Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce.

 Dr Richard Mendelsohn, the CCG's chief medical officer, said "Norovirus affects between 600,000 and 1 million people each year and it’s vital that members of the public work with us to prevent the spread of the disease. 
"The message is to stay at home, make sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet and call NHS 111 if you are concerned and need further advice."