Not only are we battling the grim and cold weather in the UK right now, but many of us are dodging that bug that’s going round.
And as it continues to cause empty seats in the office and absences in lectures, the ‘horror’ vomiting bug has reached the highest case numbers of the winter.
With the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) saying norovirus cases in England are currently more than double the expected number for this time of year, experts have issued a warning.
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Figures from the NHS showed that every day last week, 898 hospital beds were filled by people suffering from norovirus-like symptoms. That’s a rise of 15 percent from the previous week.
Norovirus symptoms and how long it lasts
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, the virus typically gets better in about two days with the main symptoms including feeling sick, being sick and having diarrhoea.
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Other symptoms include a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain and body aches and pains.
Typically, people suffering from a norovirus infection don’t need to see a doctor but in cases of those who are more vulnerable, it can lead to dehydration.
'Worrying surge' in norovirus cases
NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, Prof Julian Redhead, has called the rise in cases a ‘worrying surge’. The UKHSA said it has had a big impact on hospitals and care homes.
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Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at the agency, said: “It’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”
She continued to warn those with the infection to not ‘return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours’ after symptoms have stopped. Douglas also said to not prepare food for others during this time.
“This is because you can still pass on the virus in the days after you stop being sick,” she added.
How do you catch norovirus?
Norovirus is spread through close contact with someone who is infected as well as touching infected surfaces and then touching your mouth.
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You can also get it from eating food prepared by someone with norovirus and drinking infected water.
Lots of people wonder whether you can catch norovirus more than once. Sadly, there's no limit on how many times you can catch the virus due to the fact it's always changing and therefore your immune system can't build up long-term resistance to it.
How long does norovirus live on surfaces?
Norovirus can spread easily, especially on surfaces.
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According to the NHS, on hard surfaces in the environment noroviruses have been found to survive for up to 12 hours, and can thrive on virtually any surface in your home.
To help prevent the spread of infection, Douglas recommends washing your hands with soap and warm water as well as using bleach-based products to clean surfaces.
But the expert warned: “Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so do not rely on these alone.”
Jess Battison