'Prevent the spread': Norovirus early symptoms as infections start to rise this winter
Cases of norovirus are highest among children 🤢
- Cases of norovirus are starting to occur as we head into winter.
- The infection rate has remained highest among children under 4.
- Also known as the winter vomiting bug, it is highly contagious.
Cases of norovirus are starting to circulate this winter, with the highest rates of infections in children under the age of 4.
Also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, even though you can get it at any time of the year, norovirus is highly contagious, leaving you with symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
It can be serious as it can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus activity has remained within expected levels in recent weeks, but it’s important to remember the simple steps we can take to prevent the spread of norovirus as we approach the colder months.
“At the moment, the highest rate of cases is in children, so if your child has any symptoms, please keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop.
“If you’re unwell, don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end and avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to vulnerable people.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on these alone.”
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus can develop quickly, with the virus having an incubation period of 12 to 48 hours. Early signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, followed by a high temperature, headache and general aches and pains.
f you have the symptoms of norovirus, you should stay off school or work until you have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least two days to prevent spreading the virus.
How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads easily. It can be caught through close contact with someone who is infected, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth or by eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone who has norovirus.
How to avoid catching norovirus?
Hand washing with soap and warm water is an important step to protect yourself from norovirus, as hand sanitiser is not effective.
If someone in your home has norovirus, it’s advised that you handle any contaminated items with disposable gloves, clean contaminated surfaces with bleach-based disinfectants and wash all contaminated clothing or bed linens at 60°C.
Cases of norovirus are starting to circulate. You can find out more information about signs and symptoms at NHS.UK.