Cases of the sickness bug norovirus are on the rise in the UK and experts have warned of six symptoms to look out for.
The UK Health Security Agency that monitors outbreaks has issued a warning as cases are rising after people "have begun to mix more" as pandemic restrictions are lifted.
As Birmingham Live reports, Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety, UK Health Security Agency said: "As pandemic restrictions were lifted and now people have begun to mix more, norovirus outbreaks have started to increase.
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"Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work or send children to school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.
"If you catch this bug, it is important to drink water to avoid dehydration and do not to visit elderly relatives, especially in care homes or hospital while unwell. Hand washing is key to help stop the spread of this bug, but unlike for Covid-19 alcohol hand sanitisers do not kill off norovirus, so soap and warm water is best.”
Symptoms of norovirus
- Nausea
- Projectile vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- High temperature
- Abdominal pain
- Aching limbs
How long does norovirus last?
According to the NHS, norovirus - also known as the "winter vomiting bug" can last around two days.
The stomach bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea and experts warns that alcohol gels do not kill the virus, unlike coronavirus.
The website also warns: "norovirus can spread very easily. You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
"Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus."
