Cases of norovirus have been steadily rising all throughout the festive season with children under the age of five and elderly people being the most affected by the increase. It can be highly contagious but if someone in your household has fallen ill there are ways to protect yourself and other family members from joining the statistics.
According to the NHS, norovirus can be spread by close contact with someone who has been infected, touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated and then touching your mouth. Food prepared or handled by someone that is ill can also be a hot zone for the virus to spread.
Adding to the mounting odds against families trying to stay healthy, alcohol hand gels do not kill the norovirus bacteria. However, there are some ways it can be defeated starting with avoiding situations likely to contribute to the spread such as close contact with people or surfaces that may be infected.
This includes linen or surfaces that have been contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea from someone suffering with norovirus. The NHS recommends handling linen and clothing with gloves if possible and washing it with detergent at a sweltering 60 degrees Celsius.
Disinfect any similarly contaminated surfaces with a bleach-based cleaning product if possible. It’s worth noting families with pets may need to take some extra precautions as these products can be toxic to animals.
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water can stop the spread and as well as keeping sick people far from the kitchen or any food being shared by the household until their symptoms have stopped for at least 48 hours. People who have contracted the vomiting bug are advised to stay off work or school until they have not experienced any vomiting or diarrhoea for at least two days. It’s also advisable not to visit spaces with potentially vulnerable people such as hospitals or care homes during this time.
Norovirus can often be treated at home by ensuring the ill person has lots of rest and fluids to avoid dehydration. It usually only takes two to three days for them to start feeling better however if your vomit starts looking like ground coffee, blood or gets a green or yellow-green tint it’s best to get urgent medical assistance.