The HSE has issued an warning as a highly contagious stomach bug continues to spread across Ireland
Thoroughly washing your hands is an important way to stay safe from norovirus(Image: Getty)
Ireland’s health officials issued a warning to anyone feeling unwell with two symptoms, as a highly contagious stomach bug continues to spread at “high levels” across the country.
The HSE said that confirmed cases of norovirus have been rising and has cautioned that this surge is “likely to continue”. Norovirus – commonly known as the winter vomiting bug – is extremely infectious and typically causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through close contact, contaminated surfaces and food, making it difficult to contain once an outbreak begins.
In an update published last month, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue over the festive season. Norovirus (often called the winter vomiting bug), causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, easily spread by close contact between people.”
The warning comes as Ireland is also dealing with high levels of influenza, with the HSE saying the combination is placing additional strain on health and care services.
It explained: “Outbreaks of norovirus and flu in hospitals and nursing homes can cause serious disruption and increase risks for patients and staff. Your actions make a difference. We can all help by taking simple precautions. If you have respiratory symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhoea, do not visit hospitals, nursing homes, or vulnerable people at home. Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell.”
The health officials stressed that while norovirus is unpleasant, most people recover quickly without medical treatment and drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed. However, to curb its spread, the HSE is urging the public to take the following precautions, including staying at home for 48 hours after symptoms have passed.
People are advised to stay off work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, avoid visiting hospitals, care homes or vulnerable individuals and refrain from socialising while unwell and for two days afterwards, the Irish Mirror reports.
Anyone experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea is also asked to avoid attending Emergency Departments where possible, and instead seek advice from a pharmacist or GP by phone. The HSE has warned that introducing norovirus into health or care settings can lead to staff illness, service disruption or even closures, while vulnerable patients face serious risks if infected.
However, those who feel seriously unwell should still attend the Emergency Department, but should inform staff at reception if they have vomiting or diarrhoea so appropriate precautions can be taken.
The public is also being reminded to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. Surfaces that may be contaminated should be disinfected using a bleach-based cleaner, while any affected clothing or bedding should be washed separately on a hot cycle. Towels and face cloths should not be shared, and any vomit or infected waste should be flushed away and the surrounding area cleaned thoroughly. People are also advised to avoid eating raw, unwashed food produce.
The HSE says: “Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland. It’s also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’. This is because it’s more common in winter. But you can catch it at any time of the year.
“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. Try to avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.
“You’re likely to have norovirus if you:
feel sickget sick (vomit)have diarrhoea
“Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms start one to two days after you become infected and last for up to two or three days.
“The best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better. There’s no cure for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. Antibiotics will not help because it’s caused by a virus. You do not usually need to get medical advice unless there’s a risk of a more serious problem.”