A winter vomiting virus which is sweeping the country has largely avoided the workforce offshore due to strict hygiene procedures, says Abermed’s Dr Alison Carroll.

It is currently estimated that more than 100,000 people a week in the UK – thought to be the highest number of cases since 2002 – are catching the norovirus, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

The bug is usually spread through contaminated food or water or by contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces and objects.

However, Dr Alison Carroll, Director and Senior Offshore Medical Advisor at Abermed, says that while the numbers are exceptionally high, the virus can often be easier to contain offshore.

“The numbers are very high this year but the problem is actually not any worse offshore as we are able to react very quickly and strongly and contain the virus,” she says. “We have seen a few cases but has been contained so far.

“This norovirus, which is commonly known as the winter vomiting virus, can happen at any time of the year. However, it is traditionally more rife during the winter because people are mixing a lot more – going to Christmas parties or for meals or staying at other houses – and it’s all confined to indoors.

“The condition can be well controlled by good hygiene – meticulous cleaning of all hard surfaces such as door and toilet handles, worktops, sinks, toilets, desks, etc, with a bleach or disinfectant cleaner, as well as making sure you wash your hands thoroughly.

“It can be a big problem in offices, particularly when someone who has been projectile vomiting does not wash their hands then touches a desk or handle, which means it can be easily passed on.

“Offshore, the person who has the virus will usually be confined to a room or sickbay and looked after there until they are better, then the room is deep cleaned so the germs and bacteria are removed from all the hard surfaces.”

Dr Carroll says the virus causes flu-like symptoms, and advises sufferers to stay off work and in bed until they feel better.

“As well as very nasty sickness and diarrhoea, people will generally have flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, a fever, aching limbs and so on.

“If you are unfortunate enough to fall ill, you should eat nothing, drink nothing but water and stay in bed until it passes. However, while it is very unpleasant it should only last for 24 to 48 hours or so,” she says.

“Our medics offshore have considerable experience in dealing with things like this and generally the set up on a rig or a vessel makes it easier to control.”

As well as a full offshore medics service, Abermed can provide advice on health promotion and workplace issues, supply repatriation services, occupational hygienist service, supply company doctors to organizations, carry out audits of medical services available on installations and prepare protocol manuals.

We are also fully equipped to provide both topside and diving medical emergency services, offering a 24/7 emergency cover service with specialist doctors experienced in practising in harsh offshore conditions.

Abermed also runs a comprehensive travel clinic and is the largest provider of Oil and Gas UK medicals.