The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning to Brits, identifying three key symptoms of a virus that “spreads easily”. With cases currently high, the agency stressed in its Thursday announcement that: “norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, continues to spread at high levels.”
Those who experience sickness, diarrhoea, and/or vomiting are advised to remain home for 48 hours after their symptoms have ceased to keep the virus at bay. People may also suffer from headaches, fever, and ache in their arms or legs.
Measures recommended include frequent handwashing with soapy, warm water, laundering contaminated clothing and bedding at 60C, and avoiding normal activities such as work and school if unwell. Preparing food for others is also discouraged when exhibiting norovirus symptoms.
As per NHS guidance, symptoms usually appear one to two days post-infection and are not countered by alcohol-based hand sanitisers. The virus can typically be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids.
However, you should dial 111 if you’re concerned about a baby under one year old, if your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re unwell, if a child under five displays signs of dehydration, if you or your child still show signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets, you or your child continue to vomit and cannot keep fluid down, you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, and/or if you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.