The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning to anyone who is experiencing certain symptoms. The government health body said on Tuesday, February 25, that due to the ongoing spread of norovirus, people should take certain actions.
It comes as cases of norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, continue to be high. A UKHSA post on X, previously Twitter, reads: “Up in the night with symptoms of #norovirus? The virus spreads easily and you should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.”
Further information within a graphic accompanying the update explains: “Norovirus spreads easily. Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help you stop catching it and passing it on if you do get sick.
“If you catch norovirus, don’t go to work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as you can still pass it on during this time. Do not visit loved ones in hospital or care homes in this time to avoid causing outbreaks.”
The three most common symptoms of norovirus are feeling sick, being sick, and diarrhoea. People may also have a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, or other aches and pains.
Additional advice on the UKHSA’s norovirus blog indicates that while the bug is unpleasant but short-lived for most people, certain groups including young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity, are at risk of a more severe and prolonged illness.
In certain instances, these individuals may require medical attention. According to official guidelines: “You can catch norovirus more than once because at any given time multiple genotypes of norovirus are circulating: you can be infected by one and you will have limited immunity if you are then exposed to a different one soon after.”
Additionally, it is essential to note that hand sanitisers containing alcohol are ineffective against norovirus. The bug can usually be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids.
However, you should call 111 if you are concerned about an infant under one year old, if your child stops breast or bottle-feeding while ill, if a child under five exhibits signs of dehydration, if you or your child remain dehydrated despite using oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child experience persistent vomiting and cannot retain fluids, if you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or rectal bleeding, or if you or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for over two days.