People who show certain symptoms have been told to stay at home for at least two days
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning about a nasty bug causing two grim symptoms and shared NHS advice on how to prevent its spread. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UKHSA described norovirus as “unpleasant for everyone”.
The alert continues: “If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread.” An accompanying video further explains that anyone suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, or feeling unwell should stay at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.
Regular hand washing with soap and warm water is advised, along with washing any soiled clothes or bedding at 60 degrees. Other symptoms, according to the UKHSA, may include a fever, headache, and aching arms or legs.
Additional information available on the NHS website explains that diarrhoea and vomiting can spread rapidly and easily.
It advises that you should “stay off school or work until you’ve not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days”, and “try to stay at home or avoid contact with other people until you feel better” if you have a high temperature and/or do not feel well enough to carry out your normal activities.
To help stop any bugs spreading, in addition to the advice given above, it’s recommended to clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, door handles and surfaces daily, and avoid preparing food for others where possible.
Sharing towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils should be avoided, and swimming pools should not be used until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
Ring 111 immediately if:
- you’re concerned about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding whilst they’re unwell
- a child under five years shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (aged five years or over) still show signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child persistently vomit and can’t keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days
Dial 999 or head to A&E if you or your child:
- vomit blood or have vomit that resembles ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- may have ingested something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when exposed to bright lights
- experience a sudden, severe headache
- suffer a sudden, intense tummy ache
- have blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to spot on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are struggling severely to breathe, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- appear confused or not responding as usual