'Stay at home' warning for those with norovirus symptoms as cases reach highest level this winter
Norovirus can spread easily through close contact 🤢
- Norovirus cases are at their highest levels this winter.
- The stomach bug is highly contagious and spreads easily.
- People are being reminded to stay at home if they have these symptoms.
People are being warned to stay home if they have symptoms of norovirus as cases reach their highest level so far this winter.
Latest figures found that the number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week rose to over 1,000 for the first time this winter, leading to fears a “second surge” of the “winter vomiting bug” may be on the way.
The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact. Members of the public are being urged to help protect themselves by practising good hand hygiene and avoiding work or school if they develop these symptoms.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a stomach virus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”; it can occur at any time of the year. It spreads easily in close settings, making outbreaks at nurseries, schools, hospitals or care homes common.
The virus affects the stomach and the intestines. There are many different variants of norovirus, which means that even if you develop some immunity to one strain, you will have no immunity against another and are still at risk of becoming sick.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily through close contact, with outbreaks often impacting whole households, nurseries, care homes or hospital wards.
While the symptoms are unpleasant, they tend to resolve within three days; however, young children, older adults, those with certain health conditions or who have compromised immune systems are at risk of developing complications, including dehydration, which may need to be treated in a hospital.
When can I go back to work?
It’s not safe to return to work, or for children to go back to school or nursery, until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. You should also not attend hospital appointments, visit hospital patients or care homes. Despite not having symptoms, you can still spread the virus up to two days after they have resolved.
NHS national medical director, Dr Claire Fuller, said: “It’s vital that we do all we can to avoid a second surge in norovirus at a time when the NHS remains flat out coping with winter pressures.
“The public has a huge role to play in stopping the spread of this bug by taking some simple precautions like good hand hygiene with regular handwashing with soap and water.
“If you have symptoms, stay home, rest and drink fluids, and please don’t go to places like schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care homes until you have been symptom-free for at least two days.
“If you have any concerns about norovirus symptoms, local pharmacies can provide support and advice and remedies.”
Cases of norovirus have reached their highest level this winter. Find out more information about the signs and symptoms, and how to avoid catching the vomiting bug at NHS.UK.