An expert shared a key rule for helping curb the spread of norovirus (Image: Getty)
A pharmacist has issued a 20-second warning as cases of a winter illness continue to surge across the UK. Following this simple rule could help protect you from contracting norovirus.
The NHS reports that norovirus cases have “doubled” within just one month. Last week, NHS England revealed that hospital cases have reached their “highest level” so far this winter season.
An average of 1,012 patients were hospitalised with norovirus daily. Figures released on 19 February demonstrated that the average daily number of hospital patients with norovirus exceeded 1,000 for the first time this winter (1,012).
This represents a jump of nearly 9% (8.9%) in cases when compared with the preceding week (929). Additionally, the average daily number of norovirus patients in hospitals more than doubled during January, rising from 361 at the month’s beginning to 950 by its end.
You should wash your hands for “at least” 20 seconds after going to the toilet (Image: Getty)
NHS England warned that the country was experiencing a “second surge” as cases climbed again in February following a brief period of stabilisation at the month’s start. In light of this situation, pharmacist Jason Murphy has shared some guidance.
Mr Murphy, who serves as head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, explained: “Norovirus spreads much more easily than people think. It’s also incredibly stubborn and easy to pass on. It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days.
“Gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus tend to spread more widely in winter and early spring, when people spend more time indoors. The current increase may also be linked to the spread of different norovirus strains at the same time, as well as changes in how cases are tested and reported.
“With fewer people catching other viruses over the past few years, immunity in the community may be lower, leading to people becoming more susceptible.”
Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, is a gastrointestinal illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
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The condition is caused by a virus that spreads through faeces and can transmit to others extremely easily. You can contract norovirus from:
- Close contact with someone who has norovirus
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, then touching your mouth
- Consuming food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
- Drinking contaminated water or infected food
In addition to vomiting and diarrhoea, sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache, abdominal pain, and generalised body aches.
Mr Murphy added: “For most people, norovirus isn’t dangerous, is manageable and they will usually recover well with the right support. Think of hydration, rest, and symptom control as your recovery plan.
“In addition, you must ensure you put in place good infection control by keeping yourself clean and surfaces disinfected using a product like household bleach. If possible isolate infected people and try and use separate bathrooms if possible and keep rooms ventilated.
“With these steps in place, norovirus is usually manageable. If symptoms do persist, we’d recommend visiting a pharmacist or your GP.”
20-second rule
A simple rule to help prevent the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands for “at least” 20 seconds after going to the toilet, using public transport and before eating. Mr Murphy said: “As cases continue to rise, it’s important to go beyond basic hygiene and adopt more targeted measures to protect yourself and those around you.
“As a pharmacist, I look at norovirus in two ways: how we stop it spreading, and how we can support our body whilst the virus runs its course. There’s no cure for the virus itself, but washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after the bathroom, public transport and before eating, disinfecting surfaces thoroughly and keeping hydrated, can help reduce the risk of it spreading.”
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
