A bug is doing the rounds across one part of Merseyside, with hospital bosses warning people to avoid A&E if they have symptoms.
A number of people in Southport and Ormskirk have reported having headaches, vomiting and nausea. Social media has seen a number of people sharing their misery with dozens of people reporting having symptoms today alone.
One woman from Southport said: "I've had the runs and vomiting every half hour since last night, fever, joint aches, headache". Another said: "Last week yes!! For two days was awful".
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One post said: "Vomiting is one of the main symptoms of the Deltacron variant, definitely worth LFT & PCR testing if you haven't already". One person suggested that it that may have spread further into Merseyside, and wrote: "Someone at my work in Crosby had it last week, they were ill for days". One woman said: "Norovirus is going around", while another said: "Yes it's definitely doing the rounds".
People in Southport and Ormskirk are being advised to stay away from A&E if they are displaying covid symptoms or upset stomachs due to the pressure on local hospitals. Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
The NHS website states that the most important thing to do is rest and drink fluids with symptoms usually lasting two to three days. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop norovirus spreading.
Andrew Chalmers, Deputy Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said: “We are urging people not to visit or attend hospital if they have Covid, or symptoms of nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting. Please call ahead for advice if you already have an appointment.
“People who make their own way to A&E will be assessed at the door. They will be advised on the best care for them. For those who don’t need emergency care, this maybe an NHS service outside hospital.
"Anyone who wants to remain in A&E will be able to do so but may also face a long wait.”
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