School season is well and truly back and so is the risk of getting the winter vomiting bug, also named Norovirus.
According to the HSE, Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland - and with kids heading back to the classroom this week, it is likely to see a surge.
Norovirus can be unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home. It’s advised to avoid going to your GP, as Norovirus can spread very easily.
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Symptoms of norovirus
If you have Norovirus you will feel sick, you might also be vomiting and have diarrhoea. Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs.
The symptoms start a day or two after you become infected and can last up to two or three days. Although in many cases the virus will clear up in 24 hours.
How to treat it?
You should stay at home until you feel better. There's no cure for Norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. Antibiotics won't help because it's caused by a virus. However, it is recommended to try and stay hydrated so drink plenty of fluids if possible.
How does it spread?
This virus can spread very easily in public places like hospitals, nursing homes and schools. You can also catch it if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth.
This can happen if you:
Have close contact with someone with Norovirus. They may breathe out small particles containing the virus that you could inhale.
Touch contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus can survive outside the body for several days.
Eat contaminated food. This can happen if an infected person doesn't wash their hands before handling food.
How to prevent norovirus?
It's not always possible to avoid getting the virus but here’s how you can help stop the virus spreading:
Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.
Avoid visiting anyone in the hospital during this time.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
Do not rely on alcohol hand gels - they don't kill the virus.
Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated.
Wash any items of clothing/bedding that could have become contaminated in a hot wash to ensure the virus is killed.
Don't share towels.
Flush away any infected poo or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area.
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce.
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