Cases of norovirus – the ‘winter vomiting bug’ – are rising in England
Anyone with 3 key symptoms should ‘stay at home and rest'(Image: Getty)
Health officials have issued a ‘stay home’ alert as levels of the winter vomiting bug creep up. The latest NHS data shows the number of patients in hospital with norovirus is on the rise, with 427 cases in hospital each day last week – up a fifth on the week before.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has says anyone with three key symptoms should stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms stop the limit the spread of the ‘unpleasant’ virus.
The UKHSA said on X on Thursday (December 18): “Up in the night with symptoms of #norovirus? The virus spreads easily and you should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.”
The three main symptoms of norovirus include feeling sick and wanting to vomit, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, pain in the stomach area and aching limbs.
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An earlier warning on Tuesday (December 16) said: “Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, like norovirus, are unpleasant for everyone. If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread.”
It said those with symptoms should stay at home for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as well as wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water and wash soiled clothing and bedding at 60C.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus has increased recently but remains within expected levels. With the festive season upon us, it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus.
“At the moment, the highest rate of cases are in children and people aged over 65. If your child has any symptoms, keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop.
“If you’re unwell, don’t visit hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to older and vulnerable people and don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on it alone.”
Hospitalisations from norovirus are on the rise in England(Image: Getty Images)
If you’ve got norovirus, the UKHSA says:
stay at home and restdo not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stoppeddon’t visit your GP or hospital while symptomatic – if you’re concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS norovirus webpagedrink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoeaavoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated foodit is important to wash hands regularly and clean, wash or disinfect thoroughly any contaminated items or surfaces such as clothes, bedding, toilets, taps and door handles