The UK Health Security Agency has issued a fresh norovirus warning today over soaring cases in the UK
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning that cases of the norovirus are on the rise – and we could soon see a “potential second wave.” This includes people who have already been infected, with the experts reveal you can get it again, GOV.UK warns.
In fact, laboratory reports have reached their highest levels since the UKHSA began tracking cases in this way in 2014. But with illnesses common at this type of year – such as the cold and flu – how can you tell the difference?
What are the symptoms of the norovirus and flu?
Flu
According to the UK Health Security Agency, this is a viral infection which affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is prevalent during the winter months and can cause a number of symptoms.
The NHS lists the following symptoms that could indicate you have the flu
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
Norovirus
Norovirus, also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is a viral stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The UKHSA warns: “This season we are experiencing the highest number of norovirus cases since our current reporting system began.
“The main symptoms of norovirus are feeling sick (nausea), diarrhoea and being sick (vomiting). You may also have a high temperature, headache and aching arms and legs.”
In further warnings, the NHS notes that other symptoms of norovirus, which usually start suddenly, can include:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
What’s the difference between the norovirus and flu?
Doctor Richard Martinello, infectious diseases expert and chief medical officer for Yale Medicine, told today.com that while both viruses can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, these are the primary symptoms of norovirus and only occasionally occur with the flu.
Typically, norovirus symptoms are typically more severe with the doctor explaining that if you have norovirus, you will likely have diarrhea that’s more “frequent and very watery.” In addition to this, he notes that you will likely have a hard time keeping down water.
If you have the norovirus, you’ll likely not experience respiratory symptoms such as congestion and a cough according to Doctor Stuart Ray, a professor of medicine and oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Having a headache, sore throat and cough are symptoms that “differentiate norovirus from influenza,” Martinello adds.
UKHSA norovirus warning
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes.
“Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, please do not visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others, as you can still pass on the virus during this time.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading.”
The rise in norovirus cases this season is likely driven by the GII.17 genotype, as previous immunity to this strain is low. However, the rise in cases may also be influenced by UKHSA’s enhanced testing capabilities and shifts in infection patterns since the COVID-19 pandemic, they conclude.