The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning to members of the public, including those who have been ill “fairly recently”. It comes as norovirus cases remain very high across the country.
At the end of February, NHS England said there were a record number of patients in hospitals with the illness, and while cases appear to be gradually dropping, there are still more cases of the “winter vomiting bug” now than in most weeks of the last eight months.
In a new post on Instagram on Thursday, UKHSA said: “NOROVIRUS: our latest data shows a decrease in cases, but overall we are still seeing very high levels.” It went on to add that you “can catch norovirus more than once, even if you had it fairly recently.”
Further guidance on UKHSA’s website says that people can reduce the spread by “washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against the virus”. You should also :”stay at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop and disinfect surfaces using a bleach-based cleaner where possible”.
The UKHSA’s blog on norovirus further explains that while the illness is typically brief and unpleasant, certain individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe and extended symptoms.
In some instances, those affected may require medical attention. According to official guidance: “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.”
Common symptoms include feeling sick, being sick, and diarrhoea, and some people may also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, or other aches and pains.
Typically, the virus can be managed at home with rest and plenty of fluids. However, individuals are advised to contact 111 if they have concerns about a baby under one year old, if their child stops breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while ill, if a child under five exhibits signs of dehydration, if they or their child continue to show signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets, if they or their child experience persistent vomiting and cannot retain fluids, if they or their child have bloody diarrhoea or rectal bleeding, or if they or their child have diarrhoea lasting more than seven days or vomiting lasting more than two days.