Everything to know about brutal winter illness that is sweeping UK as cases have risen
The clocks have gone back, the seasons are changing and it's safe to say that the winter bug has started to make its way around.
All you need to do is keep your ear out in the office, and you'll hear an orchestra of coughing from colleagues, and maybe even yourself.
But despite some people having the sniffles, it looks like there may be more pressing health issues on the horizon, as a highly infectious bug is spreading like wildfire across the UK.
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It's said to be 'wiping people out' and is affectionately known as the 'winter vomiting bug', but luckily for those that go down sick with it, it should only last 48 hours.
Are UK cases of norovirus increasing in 2024?
The bug usually shows up in the colder, winter months, but it looks like it has arrived just in time for Halloween.
According to the latest NHS figures, infections of the virus are more than double the five-season average (the same period during the 5 seasons of 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024), in the period from 30 September to 13 October.
What are the symptoms of norovirus and how is it spread?
Symptoms of the illness are relatively easy to spot, such as feeling/being sick, diarrhoea, a fever, headaches, and aching in the arms and legs.
Any of these symptoms will suddenly start within just 24-48 hours of infection.
The bug is known as norovirus, and you can catch it from close contact with someone that has contracted it, touching surfaces that have the virus on them before touching your mouth, or eating food that has been handled by someone with norovirus.
How to prevent the spread of norovirus
Washing your hands as frequently as possible is the best way to protect yourself from getting infected, while it is advised by the NHS to rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Health professionals have recommended a self-isolation period of 48 hours after symptoms begin to appear, meaning you may have to call time off work or school to recover at home.
Experts have weighed in on the severity of the issue, as infection rates at hospitals are 29 percent higher than usual.
Amy Douglas, a specialist in epidemiology from the UK Health Security Agency, advised via The Mirror: "Norovirus levels have remained higher than expected recently and cases are likely to increase.
"Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and don't prepare food for others in that time either.
"If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings."
Some believe that sanitiser is enough to stop the spread of norovirus, but this isn't true.
"Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so don't rely on these alone," she highlighted.
Joshua Nair