THE NHS has issued a “stay home” warning as cases of norovirus surge – and common protection won’t work.
The contagious stomach bug spreads easily through close contact and eating food prepared by infected people – a stomach-turning prospect as families gathered together for festivities.
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Cases of norovirus surged by 33.2 per cent in the two weeks between November 18 and December 1, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
The total amount of infections reported was more than double the number of cases usually seen at this time of year – amounting to an 114 per cent increase.
Now the NHS provided an update to social media on Friday.
It advised: “Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
“It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. If you catch it; stay home, rest and have plenty of fluids.”
Common symptoms of the dreaded bug include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Often accompanied with these symptoms is a high fever, headaches, and limb pains.
These tend to appear one or two days after infection.
The key guidance also stresses the importance of avoiding work or school until those affected are symptom-free for 48 hours.
This is especially important without vomiting or diarrhoea due to the contagious nature of the virus in this timeframe.
It is also recommended to stay away from hospitals and care homes to prevent any more spreading of the virus.
The NHS has also stressed the importance of hand washing with soap and water to stop norovirus from spreading.
Alcohol-based sanitisers aren’t effective against it, which is important to note.
The virus can usually be managed at home with enough rest and hydration.
However it’s advised to call 111 if you’re concerned about a baby under one years old.
Why are norovirus cases rising?
UKHSA said multiple factors could be behind the surge in norovirus cases, including the increased use of PCR multiplex technology for testing – which is capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test – as well as changes to the bug after the Covid-19 pandemic.
The health watchdog also noted “the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype” dubbed GII.17.
So far into the 2024/2025 norovirus season, a whopping 89 per cent of samples belonged to norovirus genogroup 2 (GII).
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Of these, 66.3 per cent of cases were attributed to the GII.17 genotype.
“An increase of this variant has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored,” UKHSA noted.
“At present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness.”
The health watchdog said there were probably more norovirus cases than data indicates.
“Lab reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases,” UKHSA explained.
“It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases.”
How can I treat norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms tend to inclue nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
But sufferers can also be struck with a high temperature, stomach pain and aching limbs.
People can be at risk of dehydration after getting infected with norovirus, especially young children and older or immunocompromised people.
If you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time, to replenish those lost through diarrhoea and vomiting.
Symptoms tend to strike suddenly but you will usually start to feel better within two or three days.
It’s important that you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is when you’re most infectious.
What to do if you think you have norovirus – and when to call 999
If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated, rest, and eat bland foods when you feel better.
Wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged.
When it comes to treatment, focus on staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks.
Rest as much as possible. Eat bland foods like toast or crackers, rice, pasta.
For symptom relief, consult your doctor about over-the-counter options. Symptoms should go away in one to three days.
If you or your child experiences the following, you should call 999 or go to A&E:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- might have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, Lecturer in Microbiology at Teesside University and NHS
