Members of the public are being urged not to visit hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone who is unwell.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) issued the advice to those who are planning to visit loved ones in hospital.
The health board said anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms, or anyone who has been in recent contact with someone with these symptoms, should not visit until they feel better.
It comes amid a rise in winter related illnesses including Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu across Scotland.
Visitors are also reminded to practice good hygiene by ensuring they regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of viruses.
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of these illnesses, along with headaches, fever and muscle or limb pain.
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis include:
- Suddenly feeling sick
- Projectile vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Slight fever
- Headaches
- Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Continuous cough
- High temperature, fever or chills
- Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual
- Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
Symptoms of flu include:
- A sudden fever
- A dry, chesty cough
- A headache
- Tiredness and weakness
- Chills
- Aching muscles
- Limb or joint pain
- Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- A sore throat
- A runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
In recent years, taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our daily life and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of viruses and practicing good hygiene. You can protect yourself and others by staying at home if you are unwell and by cleaning hands and surfaces regularly.
Dr Aleksandra Marek, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, said:
“We are asking anyone with symptoms including vomiting or diarrhoea, or anyone who has been in contact with someone who has these symptoms, not to visit our hospitals.
“During the winter months, illnesses such as Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu, can add to the pressures that staff face across our sites.
“To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses.
“We are also asking anyone who does attend a site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly.”
NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Departments (A&E) if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.
Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them:
1. Visit the NHS Inform website:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/
2. Call NHS24 on 111
3. Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/
For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue to call 999 or attend A&E.
