PARENTS have been warned to be on the lookout for norovirus symptoms as the bug sweeps schools.
Cases of the illness are higher than the five season average, with the highest rates being seen in those over the age of 65 and the under fives.
Getty – ContributorNorovirus cases are still high across the country with children of school age being affected[/caption]
Cases remain high in educational settings and the chart above shows the reports of cases
Just last week it was revealed that infections were at their highest in a decade, with those over 65 being most affected.
Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety Division at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Outbreaks of norovirus in educational settings have returned to pre-pandemic levels in recent weeks and are currently more than the 5-season average, particularly affecting children in early years.
“Norovirus levels continue to be very high and most reported cases are in the over 65s, particularly in care home settings.”
Data from the UKHSA report states that cases are 77 per cent higher than the five season average, before the Covid pandemic.
Reports in the group aged 0 to 4 years were more than double the 5-season average, the report states.
In general, cases were up seven per cent in the week up to February 26.
The 6 norovirus signs al parents must watch out for:
The symptoms of norovirus come on suddenly and the NHS states the main signs are:
feeling sick (nausea)diarrhoeabeing sick (vomiting)you may also have a high temperaturea headacheaching arms and legs
Norovirus can spread very easily and you can catch it from having close contact with some who has the bug.
Touching your mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them could also lead to you getting it.
Alcohol-based hand gel does not kill norovirus, NHS guidance warns, so washing your hands frequently with soap water is best way to stop it from spreading.
If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. Make sure to have plenty of rest and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
You’ll usually start to feel better within two to three days.
The NHS advises that you call the helpline if:
You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 monthsYour child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re illYou think your child under 5 might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappiesYou’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydrationYou or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids downYou or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottomYou or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
How to protect yourself from norovirus
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.
Pay close attention to hygiene – wash your hands frequently, using soap and water
Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
If you or members of your household are ill:
Try to keep those with symptoms away from others until the illness has subsided for at least 48 hours
Clean frequently – disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and water. This includes toilets, taps, telephones, door handles and kitchen surfaces
Wash contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at high temperature (60C)
Do not allow anyone who is sick to prepare food for other people
Anyone who has symptoms should drink fluids and stay well hydrated. Consider adding rehydration salts to water. Eat plain foods (if you can manage eating).
Seek medical attention if symptoms are not improving after 24 hours, or if concerned. This is especially important for young children and the elderly, as they are prone to rapid dehydration