NHS Shetland has received the first reports of seasonal vomiting and diarrhoea (often caused by norovirus or rotavirus) and is reminding members of the public to take precautions — and to avoid attending any health care settings, including Accident and Emergency (A&E) unless absolutely necessary.
Diarrhoea and vomiting, although distressing and unpleasant, are usually nothing to worry about and don’t always need medical intervention. Most of the time symptoms ease up in a few days. Visit NHS Inform for further information on how to manage such symptoms at home and when to seek advice from your GP - Gastroenteritis | NHS inform
We encourage the public to protect the most vulnerable patients by avoiding unnecessary contact with others to reduce the spread of infectious illness.
Kathleen Jamieson, Health Protection Nurse Specialist for NHS Shetland, said: “The simplest and most effective measures are regular, thorough handwashing with soap and water and if you are unwell, stay at home until you’ve been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
“Handwashing with soap and water is crucial — particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, or cleaning up vomit, and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol-based sanitisers don’t work as well against these viruses, so they shouldn’t be relied upon.”
Key advice for the community:
- Stay at home while ill and for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
- Do not visit others in hospitals, care homes, or other healthcare settings while unwell or for 48 hours after symptoms end.
- Children should not return to school, nursery, or activities until at least 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea, and only when they are otherwise well.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water — especially after using the toilet and before eating or handling food.
- Consider avoiding local events if you feel unwell.
Norovirus and similar gastrointestinal illnesses can spread rapidly, especially among children, and can be severe for older adults or people already unwell in hospital.
Further information and advice are available on:
- NHS inform – Norovirus: Norovirus – NHS inform
- Information leaflet: DV-information-leaflet-2023-005.pdf