Norovirus cases have seen a "significant increase" in England and are currently 66% higher than average, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shown.
In an update issued on Thursday, February 9, the agency reminded the public that the virus is "highly infectious" and urged people to take steps to reduce the spread as it continues to monitor cases. Most of the infections reported are in those aged over 65, with experts saying that the current levels have not been seen in over a decade.
Also known as the 'winter vomiting bug', Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea and can be a very unpleasant experience. Most people make a full recovery from Norovirus within two to three days, but the very young, elderly, or those with weakened immune systems are more at risk.
The UKHSA said that the best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to practise good hand hygiene, as it is easily spread through contact with someone who is infected or contaminated surfaces. According to the NHS, washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best course of action - alcohol hand gels do not kill the virus.
Symptoms of Norovirus
The main symptoms of Norovirus are feeling sick, being sick, and diarrhoea. The symptoms usually start within one to two days of being infected.
You may also experience a high temperature, a headache, and aching arms and legs. You will usually start to feel better within two to three days.
Dos and Don'ts if you think you have Norovirus
Do make sure you rest and have plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Norovirus can usually be treated at home, and you should start to feel better within two to three days.
You should also make sure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet or before eating or preparing food, the UKHSA advises. When someone with Norovirus vomits, a bleach-based household cleaner should be used to disinfect any affected surfaces.
Infected people should stay off work or school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is when they are most contagious. Don't visit hospitals or care homes during this time.
Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA, emphasised in Thursday's update: "Please stay at home if you are experiencing Norovirus symptoms and do not return to work (particularly if you work with vulnerable people or food) or send sick children to school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared. If you have a loved one in a care home or hospital, please avoid visiting until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared."
When to seek advice from 111
111 can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Call 111 for advice if:
- You're worried about a baby under 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
- A child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
- You or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- You or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
When to call 999 or go to A&E
The NHS urges patients to call 999 or go to Accident and Emergency if them or their child:
- Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Have green or yellow-green vomit
- Might have swallowed something poisonous
- Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- Have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
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