BRITS are being urged not to go into work or let their children go to school if they have symptoms of norovirus.
Cases of the winter vomiting bug are continuing to rise and were 83 per cent higher than is normally expected from January 15 to 28, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Some 642 cases were picked up in lab tests over the two weeks in England, up a third on the previous two weeks.
Dr Lesley Larkin, of the UKHSA, said: “The latest data show a notable increase in norovirus reports and reports of outbreaks in hospital settings are rising.
“If you have got diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is more common in winter.
The bug spreads easily through contact with someone who has the virus or with contaminated surfaces or foods.
This makes nurseries, schools, workplaces, hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, and family homes over Christmas perfect breeding grounds.
Symptoms of norovirus
Infections can also cause aching arms and legs, a high temperature, tummy pain and a headache, according to the NHS.
Dr Larkin said: “Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
“Norovirus could cause dehydration, especially invulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.”
The latest UKHSA data show norovirus cases are currently highest in adults aged 65 or older.
The surge in cases has begun earlier than previous symptoms, with an increase in reports following Christmas, officials said.
Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone
Dr Lesley Larkin
Separate figures from NHS England show the number of people in hospital with the bug dropped to 568 in the week up to February 4.
This is down 17 per cent week-on-week from 688 beds, which was the highest so far this winter.
Officials said it is important you wash your hands properly with soap and water to reduce your risk of spreading the bug.
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Dr Larkin said: “Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
When to call 111 and 999 for norovirus
NOROVIRUS usually goes away on its own after a couple of days and doesn’t require medical attention.
But you might need to speak to a doctor if:
- You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- You think your child under five might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappies
- You’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydration
- You or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or are vomiting for more than two days
And if you spot any of the following signs, it’s vital to seek urgent care:
- Vomit in your blood
- Vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Green vomit (adults) or yellow-green vomit (children)
- A stiff neck
- Pain when looking at bright lights
- A sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: NHS