Norovirus cases have recently been on the rise, with outbreaks increasingly common in educational settings and care homes. As case numbers begin to rise, experts are reminding people of simple steps that can be taken to limit the spread of the bug.
The NHS says Norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days.
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."
The UK Health Security Agency also monitors outbreaks of the nasty sickness bug, Birmingham Live reports. They have warned that outbreaks had started to increase as people "have begun to mix more" after pandemic restrictions were lifted.
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.
"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 ymptoms 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.”
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