Do not visit patients in hospital if you are unwell

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Do not visit patients in hospital if you are unwell

Please help Dorset County Hospital NHS Trust protect our patients and staff from highly contagious illnesses.

COVID-19, flu, other respiratory infections, and norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting) spread easily. When these infections are brought into a hospital environment, they can be passed to vulnerable patients and staff, potentially causing serious illness.

We understand how important it is for patients to see their family and friends while in hospital. However, anyone who is feeling unwell, or who has experienced diarrhoea or vomiting, must be free of symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting.

If you are unwell, please consider phoning or using FaceTime to keep in touch with your loved one, and visit when you are symptom-free and feeling better.

Those who are well enough to visit can help reduce the spread of infection by:

  • Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water when entering the hospital
  • Washing hands again before leaving wards (soap and water are preferred to hand sanitiser)

Further information is available below and on our Visiting Guidance page.

COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease. Most people experience mild to moderate illness and recover without needing special treatment, but some vulnerable people may develop more serious or longer-lasting symptoms.

Symptoms can include:

  • High temperature or chills
  • New, continuous cough
  • Loss or change to sense of smell or taste
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue or exhaustion
  • Aches and pains
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Blocked or runny nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick or being sick

Flu and other respiratory illnesses

Flu and similar respiratory infections are common, highly contagious viral illnesses.

Symptoms include:

  • Raised temperature
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Headaches
  • Muscle and body aches

If you are unwell, rest at home, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

Norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting)

Norovirus, also known as winter vomiting disease, is extremely contagious and affects people of all ages. It can spread through food, water, air, and direct and indirect contact.

Symptoms include:

  • Vomiting or projectile vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Moderate to high temperature

If you have experienced any of these symptoms in the last 48 hours, please do not visit the hospital. There is no specific treatment, but drinking plenty of fluids is essential to prevent dehydration. If you are concerned, contact NHS 111 for advice.