How to avoid the winter vomiting bug as norovirus set to sweep through UK schools and offices, experts warn
AS the weather gets colder the risk of catching the winter vomiting virus increases.
That's why it is important to know the signs of norovirus and how to avoid catching the nasty stomach bug.
Earlier in the year experts urged the public to be on high alert for the illness, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
It's one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK and is rampant during the colder months, although you can catch it at any time of year.
If you have norovirus you will experience a sudden feeling of sickness, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
You may also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aches and pains.
If you do start experiencing these symptoms you should always stay at home and get plenty of rest until you are feeling better.
You should not go to work, or let your child go to school if they are infected, as you will spread the illness to other people you have contact with - and no one will thank you for that.
You should also avoid going to the GP and hospitals because the bug can spread like wildfire and can cause more serious complications for those who are already ill.
Symptoms usually clear up in two to three days, but if they don't that's when you should speak to your GP.
If you child has norovirus and they have vomited more than three times or had more than six bouts of diarrhoea in 24 hours you should also take them to the doctor.
To help your body fight the bug you should get plenty of rest, make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stop yourself becoming dehydrated, you can take paracetamol for the aches and pains and you can take antidiarrhoeal and anti-vomiting medication.
If you do feel like eating you should stick to plain foods to begin with.
Public Health England has previously urged people to be prepared, learn the signs to watch out for and take steps to protect themselves.
SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR
THESE are the signs you or a loved one could be suffering norovirus:
- suddenly feeling sick
- projectile vomiting
- watery diarrhoea
- tummy pain and cramps
- slight fever
- headaches
- aching limbs
Nick Phin, National Infection Service deputy director at PHE said norovirus can be particularly dangerous to very young babies and toddlers, and the elderly.
"Norovirus can be unpleasant and is easily passed on to those around you," he warned.
"Most people get over it within a day or two, but in the very young, elderly and those who have weakened immune systems it can last longer.
"It is easy to get dehydrated, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this.
Stay away from places like hospitals and care homes, and avoid preparing food or having close contact with others when you’re ill, to limit the spread of norovirus
Nick Phin
"It usually lasts about two days.
"But, there's not much that can be done to treat it."
Due to the fact it is a virus, antibiotics - which attack bacteria - are powerless in the face of this vomiting bug.
So, now you know all the gory details of norovirus you're probably wondering how you can protect yourself.
Norovirus is spread through close contact with someone who has the illness, touching surfaces that are contaminated with the bug and eating contaminated food.
You are most infectious within the first 48 hours of your symptoms starting.
But, there are ways people can reduce the risk of catching it and passing it on to others.
"It's highly contagious and so it's important to practise good hygiene by thoroughly washing hands with soap and warm water," Mr Phin said.
"Stay away from places like hospitals and care homes, and avoid preparing food or having close contact with others when you're ill, to limit the spread of norovirus."
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If a member of your family falls ill with the bug, it's vital to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces they come into contact with, to limit the spread of the virus.
Mr Phin said if you suspect you've had norovirus and have suffered diarrhoea and vomiting, do not prepare food until 48 hours after your symptoms have disappeared.
"We advise you should avoid visiting GP surgeries, care homes and hospitals if you have symptoms," he added.
MORE ON CONTAGIOUS BUGS
"If anyone has symptoms and is concerned they should contact NHS 111 or talk to their GP on the phone."
One of the best ways to protect against norovirus and to help prevent infection is by practising good hygiene.
This includes thorough hand washing with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
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