norovirus butlins bognor

faithcecilia

This is such a horrible bug, a few years ago I was going to the pub with some friends after church but it was so full we decided not to bother. I felt absolutely fine then, but by the time I had walked home (5-6min walk) I just made it through the door to the loo before starting throwing up, which was then non stop for 2 days.

Holiday resorts/ships get bad press over this bug, but there is so little they can do as it is so contagious, one person arrives incubating it and before you know it half the place is infected. I hope those suffering feel better soon and that others avoid it.

badmumof1

its not Butlins fault that someone has gone there with it. Its no different to it being spread in hospitals. People are to blame for spreading it around

freddie2

Afraid even anti viral gels are not as effective as good old soap and water, much of the hype about these products are just clever marketing ploys! In fact many hospital are now starting to restrict their use, especially during norooutbreaks

Viruses come in several types, such as "enveloped" and "unenveloped", because food particles can still remain on the hands, because moisture on the hands can reduce effectiveness, etc. and no one hand sanitizer eliminates ALL viruses.

Norovirus is an "unenveloped" virus that requires high concentrations of alcohol to kill as opposed to lower concentratons of other chemicals, such as bleach, and certain other chlorides, acids, alkyds,oxidizers etc. "Enveloped" viruses are easer to kill with either.

So, what is the conclusion? The most effective is simply wash your hands with soap and water. This removes the food and fecal particles which are the primary carriers of norovirus. Then, ADDING a hand sanitizer increases the destruction of any left over viruses. Using an anti-microbial wipes, such as Wet Ones, substantially increases the chance of removing particles as opposed to just rubbing alcohol over your hands.

Below is a study performed at Emory University on the effectiveness of various alcohol based hand cleaners on Norovirus. Note that the most effective was Purell 447F and Micrell. Both are over 70% ethyl alcohol, so that is what you want use if alcohol based. Purell replaced 447F with VF481 which is even stronger. Notice that the most effective method requires the rinsing of your hands. The removal of those nasty particles is the key!

https://www.handwashingforlife.com/f...nal_072007.pdf



Just remember - WASH YOUR HANDS !!!

freddie2

It is true that those of you with type-O blood have to be a little more careful than the rest of us. Studies show that people with type O have a slightly higher inherited predisposition to infection by norovirus while those with B and AB blood types have a slightly less predisposition to infection.

Kaz2904

How strange with the blood groups We were never sure if it was true or not because not everyone knows what blood group they are. The first time I ever came across this bug was September 1999 when I had just started uni. It was the day of my first placement and I had to run off the ward to throw up in the sluice . I didn't know I was ill before I threw up, I had about 30 seconds notice.
I know that the same people seem to get it on every round of the virus and I have only had it twice. I'm B+. I obviously have good genes . I'm surprised that my work haven't figured this out yet and added it to the sickness policy although, I can see why they wouldn't bother as it gets counted against you even if it's an illness caught at work from the patients. There's nothing nicer than walking in to the smell of a ward shut with norovirus, you know you're in for a night of it along with most of the patients . Bless them. It's impressive how far people can vomit.

yXXXoF

I can't say how angry I am. Went last Friday 3rd, returned Monday 6th. Lots of handwash gel everywhere but not a word to us 'campers'. I could understand if the outbreak just happened, but not so much as a text message after. There's NO excuse Butlin's! Your balance sheet is not more important than lives. My daughter has had TWO overnight stays in our local hospital since returning and I have to find this story by accident?! I'm actually MORE annoyed that she was admitted to a ward with babies in when she had this contagious bug. All because they haven't the decency to admit there's a problem (which I accept is not of their own making).

m2trn206

pattycake wrote: »

If you have norovirus, you will not just feel rough. You will know for sure! I had it a couple of years ago and so did all my family. It spreads really easily before you even know that one of you is infected. It was very nasty for a few days.

I am alarmed to read earlier in this thread that hand sanitizers are not effective against this virus. I thought I was being extra vigilant when I use it when we eat out. Is this really true that it is useless?

Just an update, my two young children and i have all been violently sick now but as stated previously , my wife - who is blood group 'B' seems to have survived so far. Certainly not blaming Butlins for the outbreak, just the high number of people who we saw leaving the toilets without washing their hands!!!! We then visited some friends on the way home and they now have the virus too!!!

loulou123

I work in Bognor regis, and i think its all over the place not just at Butlins - am sure its in other places too not just Bognor!

To be honest (and i have a true phobia of being sick) i think that all you can do is be sensible - hand washing etc, as it is SO contagious that if you are going to catch it, then you properly will no matter what you do, i think that the virus is also air bourne (so if someone vomits the virus spreads a long way) although i may be wrong on that.

Ive had it twice in my adult life and it is really really bad, but dont think it can be called a 'killer' as yes it can pose health risks to those with low immune systems/elderly/babies etc, but so can the flu. For most people it will just be a very unpleasent couple of days, followed by a few more days of feeling low, but with no long term health effects.

Hope all of those on here, who have caught it feel better really soon.

RazWaz

I'd be pretty careful if you catch this and have kids. I almost died when I was around 10 when I caught this along with my parents. They were upstairs in bed unable to move, and I was on the sofa downstairs. I went around 3 days without a drink because I so ill I couldn't move and ended up quite badly dehydrated.

Try and make sure someone is around to keep an eye on your kids if you go down with it.

jcr16

oh gosh, how awful. i hope all those who are poorly get better soon.

My friend has just come back ( yesterday) and her little girl is now poorly with it.