Lorna MarshVisiting restrictions to one ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have been introduced today following cases of a seasonal vomiting virus.Lorna Marsh

Visiting restrictions to one ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have been introduced today following cases of a seasonal vomiting virus.

People are being asked not to visit Heydon ward unless absolutely necessary. The visiting restriction will be reviewed later in the week.

Dr Judith Richards, director of infection prevention and control at the N&N, said: 'We want to protect our patients by restricting the chances of people spreading this infection.

'For this reason, regrettably, we are asking that people do not visit patients in the affected ward, unless absolutely necessary.

'It's very important that people who have had the virus, or been in contact with someone who has had it, take precautions to avoid spreading it. That means not going back to work or school until two days after the symptoms have stopped.

'People should also avoid visiting places like hospitals and residential homes if they have had the bug or been in contact with it over the past two days.

'Alcohol gel is effective against bacteria but not all viruses, therefore we are recommend that, as a matter of routine, all visitors should also wash their hands with hot water and soap when visiting our wards, and we would be very grateful if more visitors could follow that guidance.'

The Norovirus stomach bug causes nausea and diarrhoea and is very easily spread from person to person. The spread of infection is easiest in places where group of people are in close proximity for reasonable amounts of time such as residential homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces.

The virus lasts around two days and no treatment is required, however, even after the symptoms have cleared up people may still carry the virus and infect others up to three days after their own symptoms have stopped.

Symptoms start with the sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting, and watery diarrhoea. Some people may have a raised temperature, headaches and aching limbs. Most people make a full recovery within one to two days, however some people such as the very young or elderly may become very dehydrated and require hospital treatment.

Only if you have been free of such symptoms for more than 48 hours or have not had any contact with anyone with the symptoms for 48 hours you can visit the hospital.