BRITS have been urged to stay at home as cases of a highly-contagious vomiting and diarrhoea bug sweeps through the country.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an urgent warning after a sharp rise in cases of norovirus.
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Health chiefs warned levels of the virus have remained high and haven’t started decreasing as is typically expected during the spring.
Norovirus – also known as the “winter vomiting bug” – is a highly infectious viral illness.
Confirmed cases are 75 per cent higher than the five-year average, according to the Express.
Reports suggest the increase in the detection of cases could be linked to the changes in how we study diseases following the pandemic.
Differences in testing and reporting to national surveillance and the cold weather are also considered possible factors.
Amy Douglas, a Norovirus Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “Norovirus levels were higher in April than we would usually see at this time of year and have been increasing.
“This is likely due to a combination of factors, but the colder weather we have had won’t have helped.”
She added: “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.
“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.”
Norovirus causes “dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people”.
Therefore it is important to drink plenty of fluids if you get ill.
Norovirus symptoms can include projectile vomiting and diarrhoea.
If you’re suffering from these “do not return to work” as the virus spreads easily.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to the NHS website, you are likely to have caught norovirus if you experience a sudden sick feeling, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
The main symptoms are:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
It comes as the UKHSA announced that the spring 2024 COVID-19 vaccination is now live.
Those eligible should visit the NHS site or use the app to book appointments.
The eligible cohorts include:
- adults aged 75 years and over by June 30, 2024
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, said: “Once again, Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations have risen this week, so now is the time to get your Covid-19 spring vaccine if you’re eligible and haven’t already.”
Vaccinations will end on June 30.
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