The stomach bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea
The UK Health Security Agency has shared a warning about norovirus(Image: Getty Images)
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared a warning about an “incredibly infectious” virus. Norovirus, which is also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The NHS says it can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about two days.
On X, previously Twitter, the UKHSA says: “#Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.”
Data from the World Health Organisation suggests an estimated 685 million cases of norovirus are seen annually, including 200 million cases among children under the age of five. The health organisation says the virus causes an estimated 200,000 deaths per year, including 50,000 child deaths.
Norovirus is very contagious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The virus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Most people with norovirus illness get better within one to three days, but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.
Anyone can get infected and sick with norovirus and people of all ages get infected during norovirus outbreaks. Your likelihood of getting a norovirus infection is also determined in part by your genes.
Children younger than five years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections.
The NHS has outlined the main symptoms of norovirus on its website. The symptoms usually start suddenly and may include:
You may also have:
If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
You should stay at home and get plenty of rest, drinks lots of fluids, eat when you are able to and take paracetamol if you are in discomfort. You shouldn’t have fruit juice or fizzy drinks, give children under twelve medicine to stop diarrhoea or give aspirin to children under sixteen.
Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo and it can spread to others 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 and drinking unclean water or infected food.
If you have norovirus you should avoid going to school and other places including work. The NHS says: “do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days.”