Brits have been advised to stay home for two days if they experience any symptoms of an “unpleasant” winter sickness bug that has seen a staggering increase in cases by 116 percent. Recent figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSA) show a significant rise in norovirus cases recorded between January 20 and February 3.
Reports of the virus within English labs were revealed to be more than twice (116.7 percent) the five-season average for the same fortnightly period. Also, there was a noticeable spike in cases by 17.4 percent compared to the previous two weeks.
It comes as NHS England reported immense pressures due to a surge of the illness. Early in February, an average of 961 hospital patients a day were reported as having norovirus.
Due to the outbreak, measures have been taken which include shuttering three wards in one London hospital to curb further spread. St George’s Hospital Group chief nurse Professor Arlene Wellman commented on the severity of the issue, stating: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker.”
Health departments in Ireland are also on high alert, as the Health Service Executive (HSE) said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks.”
Norovirus, commonly referred to as the “winter vomiting bug,” is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted through contaminated faeces. The NHS has issued a warning that inadequate handwashing after toilet use can lead to infection.
Individuals can contract the virus by being in close proximity to an infected person, touching surfaces or objects with the virus on them and then touching their mouth, or eating food handled by someone with norovirus. Consuming contaminated water or food also poses a risk.
The NHS cautions that symptoms of norovirus usually manifest “suddenly” and can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the illness might be a high fever, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.
To prevent the spread of the virus, the health service advises those suffering from these symptoms to avoid going to school, work, hospitals, and care homes for 48 hours after they stop experiencing symptoms. Most people begin to recover within two to three days, and it’s crucial to stay hydrated during this time.
The NHS stresses: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.” In addition to self-isolation when sick, the NHS recommends several practices to limit the spread of norovirus, including washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, as alcohol hand gels are ineffective against the virus.
It is also advised to wash hands with soap and water before preparing, serving, or eating food. Clothes and bedding that have been contaminated with faeces or vomit should be washed at a 60C wash, separately from other laundry. It’s also important to clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles.
If you or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, it’s advised to call 111.