NOROVIRUS cases will rise as Christmas approaches, experts have warned.
The winter bug, which triggers projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, runs rampant as the weather gets colder and socialising indoors is at its peak.
GettyExperts fear norovirus cases with rise this Christmas[/caption]
There have been 1,297 laboratory confirmed cases in England so far this year, compared to 1,118 in 2022, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows.
Experts put the 16 per cent increase down to “higher than usual activity” at the start of the year.
In early 2023, cases were twice as high as in the decade before Covid.
While there have been fewer reports in the two weeks leading up to November 5 (171) than over the same period last year (216), doctors fear a surge is coming.
Amy Douglas, norovirus epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “While norovirus cases are still low, we expect cases to rise as the festive season gets underway.
“It’s really important we take steps to try and stop the spread.”
Norovirus is a highly-contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting (often projectile) and diarrhoea.
It is commonly accompanied by aching arms and legs, a high temperature, abdominal pain, and a headache, according to the NHS.
You can catch it from someone else with the virus, by touching infected surfaces or objects, or by eating food that has been prepared by someone with it.
It spreads easily in enclosed spaces like nurses, schools, workplaces, hospitals, care homes and cruise ships.
Norovirus can hit at any time of year, but it is most prevalent between November and March – particularly over the festive season.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to help curb the spread. The UKHSA urges families to:
Wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water
Wash fruits and vegetables before preparing and eating them
Cook foods thoroughly
Routinely sanitise surfaces
Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
And if you, a relative or friend has got norovirus, it’s vital to remember:
It cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Vomiting and diarrhoea cause your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so drink plenty of fluids.
Stay at home. Do not return to work or send kids to school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Avoid cooking or preparing meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Wash all contaminated clothing and bedding using detergent and at 60C.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaning products where possible.
Seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve.
Ms Douglas added: “If you or a family member have been sick with norovirus, you should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and not return to work or school, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
“Hand gels do not kill norovirus, so handwashing with soap and warm water is best.
“Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the virus from spreading.
“Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration which can result in hospitalisation, particularly for the most vulnerable.”
When to call 111 and 999 for norovirus
NOROVIRUS usually goes away on its own after a couple of days and doesn’t require medical attention.
But you might need to speak to a doctor if:
You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 months
Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
You think your child under five might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappies
You’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydration
You or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids down
You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottom
You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or are vomiting for more than two days
And if you spot any of the following signs, it’s vital to seek urgent care:
Vomit in your blood
Vomit that looks like ground coffee
Green vomit (adults) or yellow-green vomit (children)
A stiff neck
Pain when looking at bright lights
A sudden, severe headache or stomach ache
Source: NHS