Cases of norovirus are surging across England, UK health chiefs have warned. Infections are at their highest in more than 10 years among people aged 65 and above.
Most outbreaks are in care homes but cases are also on the rise in schools and hospitals, the Echo reports. Anyone suffering with the virus is advised by experts to remain at home and not go back to work or school until symptoms have passed for 48 hours.
So what are the tell-tale symptoms of the winter vomiting bug? Nausea, being sick and diarrhoea are the main and most obvious signs but other symptoms include a high temperature and a headache.
Aching arms and legs is another symptom of norovirus. The symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected, the NHS advises.
Norovirus can usually be treated by yourself at home. The most important thing to do is rest and take on lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. The effects tend to wear off and you begin to feel better after two or three days.
Cases of norovirus are currently running 66% above the average for the past five seasons, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). But the number of cases in the wider community is likely to be significantly higher as a result of only a small number of people seeking medical help for the virus.
The biggest increase in laboratory-confirmed norovirus is among people aged 65 and over. While high numbers of cases in this age group can be expected at this time of year, current levels haven't been seen in more than a decade, the UKHSA said.
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Dr Lesley Larkin of the UKHSA Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division, urged people to "please stay at home" if you have norovirus symptoms. Dr Larkin added: "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. Regular hand washing is really important to help stop the spread of this bug, but remember, alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so soap and warm water is best."
Hospital cases of norovirus in England have nearly doubled week-on-week, NHS data shows. An average of 743 adult hospital beds were occupied last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 88% from 393 in the week to January 29. At this point last year the average stood at 302.
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