HOSPITAL staff in Harrow and Brent are already preparing for the onset of the winter vomiting bug.

Earlier this year norovirus closed Whipps Cross Hospital, in East London, and shut Dryden Ward in Northwick Park Hospital, in Watford Road.

Health bosses are determined to stop an outbreak this year and are advising residents not to come to hospital if they contract the highly infectious bug.

Fiona Coogan, director of infection prevention and control, said: “It's so unpleasant because you can get awful vomiting, sometimes projectile vomiting and sometimes diarrhea.

“For most people it's very mild and it does get better but we need people to stay at home and rest.”

Norovirus spreads through communities in places where large numbers of people come together, like schools, hospitals and workplaces.

Ms Coogan says patients with the bug usually get better within around 48 to 72 hours but there is little doctors can do to help them.

Those recovering from the virus can remain infectious for several days afterwards but they are most likely to spread it during the period when they feel ill.

Residents can take steps to reduce the risk of contracting the virus, including washing hands with soap and water particularly after going to the toilet and before eating and drinking.

NHS Harrow, NHS Brent and North West London Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Northwick Park, St Mark's and Central and Middlesex hospitals, are all trying to raise awareness of the bug.

If an outbreak occurs and hospital wards have to close, a recorded message containing advice will be played at the beginning of all calls to the hospitals.

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