The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about a contagious health issue that is seeing an unusually high number of cases for this time of year. The Government body is urging anyone who experiences six key symptoms to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
“While we saw a decrease in norovirus cases last week, they are still high for this time of year,” the UKHSA said in an X post yesterday. “Here’s how to stop the spread.”
Norovirus, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, typically causes feelings of nausea and bouts of vomiting, which usually last for approximately two days. The UKHSA also noted high temperatures, headaches, diarrhoea and even aching arms as other significant signs of the illness.
Those experiencing these symptoms are advised to stay at home for at least 48 hours until they subside. Doing laundry at 60°C and thoroughly cleaning your hands with soap are recommended to prevent its spread, too.
“If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home,” guidance from the NHS explains. “You’ll usually start to feel better in two to three days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
“Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. 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.”
While norovirus is often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, it can strike at any time of the year. However, it’s essential to be aware that vomit that resembles ‘ground coffee’, appears green or contains blood, is generally a cause for alarm.
Individuals who experience this should call 999 immediately.
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The UKHSA’s six key signs of norovirus are below:
- Headaches
- Aching arms and legs
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick
- High temperature
Dial 999 if you or your child experiences the following symptoms:
- Severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- Sudden, severe headache
- Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue – on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- Stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- Vomits blood or has vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Confusion or not responding as usual
- Green vomit (adults)
- May have swallowed something poisonous
- Have a sudden, severe tummy ache
NHS advice adds: “Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.”
