Health bosses urge flu and norovirus patients to stay away from GP surgeries and hospitals
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The advice comes following a number of school closures across the region – with hundreds of members of staff and students suffering from sickness and norovirus.
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Hide AdJarrow School was also closed for a time following an outbreak of vomiting, fever and sore throats.
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Hide AdDuring the outbreak, schools urged the parents of students who show sickness symptoms to keep their child off school until they have fully recovered.
Tony Brown, managing partner of Alnwick Medical Group in Northumberland, said: “It’s imperative that people with flu like or norovirus symptoms don’t go their surgery or hospital unless advised by a clinician or 111.
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Hide Ad“If you, or your child are suffering from symptoms of Norovirus - including sickness and diarrhoea - you are advised to avoid school and work for 48 hours.
“Norovirus can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a few days.
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Hide Ad“Norovirus does, however, spread to others very easily and patients are therefore advised to look after themselves at home and to call NHS 111 (England) if you need advice.”
And the warning comes after health bosses have asked patients to only use emergency departments if they are immediate need of critical or life-saving care.
People are being warned they should be prepared for long waits if they attend with minor illnesses or ailments as staff focus on those with the most urgent needs.
Anyone who starts to feel unwell is urged to ask a pharmacist or visit nhs.uk for advice about treatment.