Cases of norovirus are on the rise this year and it's important to know what to do if you catch the illness.

[POSTMAN]

https://www.myroyalmail.com/news/2016/1 ... r-health-0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms, and is highly contagious.
If you suspect you have norovirus, do not come to work, as you could infect other colleagues.
Although it is unpleasant, it usually clears up by itself so you should avoid visiting your GP surgery and putting others at risk.
It is best to call your GP or NHS 111 for advice if you are concerned.

The NHS recommends that you:

• Stay at home to prevent passing the illness on to colleagues or people on your commute
  Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
  Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
  Get plenty of rest
  If you feel like eating, eat plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread
  Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine
  Adults can take anti-diarrhoeal and/or anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medication – these are not suitable for everyone though, so you should check the medicine leaflet or ask or your pharmacist or GP for advice before trying them.

To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus, you should:

• Stay off work until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed
  Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water – alcohol gel does not kill the virus
  Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated using a bleach-based cleaner
  Wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed
  Don't share hand towels where you wash your hands
  Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce to ensure any bugs are destroyed through cooking/washing.

Remember to call NHS 111 if you require further advice. For more information on Norovirus http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Norovirus/ ... prevention" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you have any queries please contact your.news@royalmail.com

[greengiant]

Although the linos would still expect you to come in....

[beechwood]

Although the linos would still expect you to come in....

To be fair I've been in that situation before at DHL just projectile vomit on the linos, it worked for me and he had to clean up himself and a roller bed, the station manager drove me home.

Some people just won't take your word when you say you're unwell

[BeamishStout]

Last time I had it stuff was coming out from both ends as it were. I took exactly the advice given by NHS and took the following 2 days off after it manifested itself. Felt washed out on +1 day but by the start of +2 day I felt better and returned to work the following day. Nasty piece of work Norovirus/winter vomitting bug

[fb1969]

No soap this morning, not that half the posties use it at our place.

No paper towels for drying hands, just a loo roll on the side to unravel.

Happy crappy days at Royal Mail.

[Trolleyed]

Am off today due to sickness and diarrhoea that I've suffered with through the night. Have also had aches and pains in limbs. Not sure if it's norovirus or not but it was not very nice. DOM is ok about it but did say I might lose xmas bonus. However, have already had messages from colleagues moaning that the packet driver has had to cover my duty so isn't doing their parcels today. Hard to feel sorry for them since they're all full time, all have vans and all finish before their time but there's no way they would take their own packets.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

DOM is ok about it but did say I might lose xmas bonus.

Unless you are on reduced pay - you won't

[Trolleyed]

Thanks for confirming that TrueBlue. I did look it up on here after the conversation with DOM this morning and read the exact same thing lots of times lol. Will be sure to point it out if they withhold my bonus.