New norovirus warning as families mix over Easter – the 6 ways to protect yourself

FAMILIES have been warned to keep up good hygiene habits over Easter as norovirus cases continue to circulate.

Also known as the 'winter vomiting bug', people who are unlucky enough to catch it will experience sickness and diarrhoea.

Experts at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) who monitor the outbreaks warned that cases have been increasing in recent weeks.

Norovirus easily spreads around public places and is transmitted when a tiny particle of vomit or poo from an infected person gets into someone else’s mouth.

That sounds a bit gross and unlikely but it can happen – in particular when you touch a contaminated surface and then put your hand in your mouth - or if you eat food which has been contaminated.

You can also catch it if you are in close proximity to an infected person and they breathe on you.

It's important that if you're spending time with your family this Easter you remember to wash your hands.

This is especially important in protecting you from norovirus as hand sanitiser alone isn't strong enough to kill the bug.

Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety, UK Health Security Agency said: "It is easily passed on to those around you and while unpleasant most people get over it within a day or two, however, it can last longer in the very young, elderly or those with weakened immune systems.”

“Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work or mix with friends and family until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.

"If you catch this bug, it is important to drink water to avoid dehydration and not visit elderly relatives, especially in care homes or hospitals while unwell. 

"Hand washing is key to help stop the spread of this bug, but unlike for Covid-19, alcohol hand sanitisers do not kill off norovirus, so washing hands with soap and warm water often is best.”

Experts at the UKHSA said that throughout the most recent norovirus season, cases have been rising in educational settings - so schools and colleges.

However hospital admissions for the bug have been 'notably lower' than previous years, they said.

PROTECT YOURSELF

Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.

The six ways are:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
2. Use sanitiser as well as hand washing
3. Wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
4. Cook seafood thoroughly
5. Throw contaminated foods out
6. Keep people who have the bug away from food preparation

TREAT IT

Even though norovirus symptoms seem intense you can usually treat yourself and your child at home.

You'll likely start to feel better within two to three days.

During this time it's important to stay well rested and drink plenty of fluids.

If your symptoms don't get better and you vomit blood or have green or yellow vomit then you should call 999 or go to A&E.