The UK Health Security Agency has issued a warning to people who may be suffering from the winter vomiting bug, also known as norovirus, as the colder months approach
As winter draws near, Norovirus cases begin to surge across the country. The bug, dubbed the winter vomiting disease, triggers nasty stomach symptoms including violent sickness and diarrhoea.
Whilst extremely unpleasant, health experts insist the illness typically clears up within approximately two days. People across all age groups can catch Norovirus and fall ill from it.
You can contract the Norovirus bug multiple times since numerous different strains exist. Being infected with one strain of Norovirus won’t necessarily shield you from catching other variants.
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Everyone is susceptible to catching Norovirus and becoming unwell. Your chances of contracting a Norovirus infection are also partly influenced by your genetic makeup.
Kids under five, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems face higher risks of developing serious infections, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Noroviruses belong to a family of bugs that trigger stomach flu, or gastroenteritis. Although Norovirus symptoms can be deeply unpleasant, it’s regarded as a minor infection.
This is due to its typically brief duration, with most sufferers recovering without requiring medical intervention. The UK Health Security Agency issued a reminder on its social media channels about what steps to take if you develop Norovirus symptoms.
Last week, the agency warned: “Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that a staggering 685 million cases of norovirus are reported annually, including 200 million cases among children under the age of five. The virus is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year, including 50,000 child fatalities.
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The NHS has issued a warning about the symptoms to watch out for. The three main signs include: feeling nauseous, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Other symptoms that may indicate a case of norovirus are:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
If you or your little one contracts norovirus, there are several steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. The NHS recommends:
- staying at home and getting plenty of rest
- drinking lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
- continuing to breast or bottle feed your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
- giving babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
- eating when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
- taking paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child
Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through faecal matter. It’s highly contagious. If you have the virus, you should wash your hands with soap and water and avoid contact with others as much as possible.
Health officials have issued a stern warning: “do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days.”