Brits warned hand sanitiser doesn't kill brutal bug sweeping UK causing record number of hospitalisations

Sure, the weather might finally be getting just that little bit better but the other brutal parts of winter are still knocking about.

Yep, like those illnesses and colds that seem to be wiping out your work pals one by one.

And one nightmare bug in particular has been sweeping the UK in these recent months, causing a record number of hospitalisations.

You'll definitely know about it if you've had it. (Getty Stock)

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, Norovirus typically goes away by itself in a few days. But data from NHS England showed 1,160 patients a day on average were in hospital with the brutal bug last week – double what it was at the same period last year.

Importantly, Brits are being warned hand sanitiser doesn’t kill it but there’s other ways to help prevent the spread instead.

Norovirus symptoms and how long it lasts

Usually, the virus tends to get better in about two to three days and you can treat it at home.

The main symptoms usually start suddenly and may include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea. Other symptoms include a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain and body aches and pains.

In most cases, people suffering from a Norovirus infection don’t need to see a doctor, but in those who are more vulnerable, it can lead to dehydration.

Hospital cases

There’s now a record number of patients in hospital with Norovirus in England, following a 22 percent rise on the week before the latest figures. And it means more than one percent of beds are occupied by patients ill with the winter bug.

NHS England medical director Prof Sir Stephen Powis said: "It is concerning to see the number of patients with Norovirus hit an all-time high and there is no let up for hospital staff who are working tirelessly to treat more than a thousand patients each day with the horrible bug, on top of other winter viruses."

It's hand soap over sanitizer when it comes to Norovirus. (Getty Stock)

Ways to help stop the spread

While we may have all got used to the regular use of hand sanitiser during the covid-19 pandemic, it doesn’t do the trick with Norovirus.

Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Alcohol gels do not kill Norovirus so do not rely on these alone.”

Instead, it’s important to wash your hands properly with soap and warm water as well as using bleach-based products to clean surfaces.

It is important to stay home and rest if you have Norovirus and not go to work or visit others in hospitals or places like care homes, until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days.

You should generally avoid contact with others as much as possible until then.

The NHS also recommends washing clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it at a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry. It also says to clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles.