Belford Hospital lockdown: Horror virus outbreak as NHS STOPS new patient admissions

An NHS hospital has been forced to shut its wards to new patients amid a virus outbreak.

NHS officials at Belford Hospital in the Highlands warned visitor numbers would need to be restricted due to outbreak. The unpleasant virus is a common illness that can cause bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea. Those who are wishing to visit patients at the hospital have been asked to contact staff.

"We have had to close both wards in Belford Hospital to new admissions due to norovirus," An Highland spokesperson said in a statement. "Restricted visiting is also in place but please contact staff on the ward if you feel your visit is necessary and they will be able to advise.

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"We would also ask that if you or someone you live with has symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting you refrain from visiting a health or social care setting until clear for 48 hours."

According to the NHS, norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that can be very unpleasant, although it does typically get better in about two days.

What are norovirus symptoms?

The main symptoms of norovirus start suddenly and can include:

• feeling sick
• being sick (vomiting)
• diarrhoea
• a high temperature
• a headache
• tummy pain
• body aches and pains

How do I treat norovirus?

People and children who have norovirus can typically treat themselves at home. You'll usually start to feel better in between two to three days, according to the NHS.

Those who have or suspect they have norovirus are advised to do the following:

• stay at home and get plenty of rest

• drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick

• carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual

• give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds

• eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy

• take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child

What should I not do if I have norovirus?

The NHS recommends people with norovirus follow additional advice:

• do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse

• do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength

• do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea

• do not give aspirin to children under 16