‘How to avoid catching and spreading norovirus’ – UKHSA Blog

Evdokia DardamissisWith the ‘winter vomiting bug’ doing the rounds, Dr Evdokia Dardamissis from the UK Health Security Agency explains how you can stay well and help to reduce the spread of norovirus this festive season.


Rates of norovirus are rising in Cheshire and Merseyside as we head into winter.

Our latest data shows that cases of norovirus are more than double than usual for this time of year, especially for the over 65s and under fives. And we’re seeing a rise in reported outbreaks, particularly in care home settings.

But what exactly is norovirus? And what can we do to avoid catching and spreading it and keep ourselves well this Christmas?

Known as the ‘winter vomiting bug,’ norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sickness and diarrhoea during the colder months. It is highly infectious and easily spread through contact with someone with the infection or with contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.

Norovirus spreads easily through communities and so outbreaks are common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries.

For most people, this is an unpleasant, short-lived illness and they make a full recovery within two to three days without needing any medicine. However, some groups, including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity, are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness which may require medical treatment.

In response to the recent rise in cases, our Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection team is busy reminding people that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of norovirus is by practicing good hand hygiene. Regular hand washing can really help to stop the spread of this bug – particularly before and after preparing food and before eating and using the toilet. Alcohol gels do not kill off norovirus so using soap and warm water is best.

When someone with norovirus vomits, the droplets contaminate the surrounding surfaces. A bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and water should be used to disinfect potentially contaminated household surfaces and commonly used objects such as toilets, taps, telephones, door handles and kitchen surfaces.

If you do catch norovirus, please stay at home and don’t go into work or send sick children to school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared. If you have a loved one in a care home or hospital, please avoid visiting them until 48 hours after your symptoms have gone.

Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent and at 60°C and, if possible, wear disposable gloves to handle contaminated items.

Most people will make a full recovery but it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially for those with weakened immune systems who are more at risk.

If symptoms persist, ask for a telephone consultation with your family doctor. Try to avoid visiting your GP surgery or local A&E Unit as you may pass the infection on to others.

The NHS website has information on symptoms, how to help yourself feel better at home and when to seek medical attention.

Whilst norovirus spreads easily, taking the precautions listed above can dramatically reduce your risk of catching it this winter. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with others while infectious are at the core of protecting yourself and others from the spread of the virus.

Get more information on norovirus here.

 

Norovirus