The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in a common winter bug, advising those affected to stay at home for 48 hours. Data shows that cases of the infection, which cannot be killed by sanitiser, have risen in recent weeks. There have been 2,111 laboratory reports of people with the infection so far in the current season – a rise of 16.8% on the fove season average for the same period.
The UKHSA is advising people to stay at home for 48 hours if they develop symptoms of norovirus. The bug is highly contagious and causes sudden inflamation of the stomach and intestines.
According to data published by the health agency, the bug has started to spread quickly with 257 reports over the two weeks up to last week. Officials have now shared advice on what people should do if they spot any symptoms.
The NHS adds that symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last for roughly two to three days. It is extremely easy to pass the big from person to person, including through direct contact and touching contaminated surfaces.
The UKHSA previously warned: “Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.” It also warned at the time that hand sanitiser will not work to prevent the illness.
The NHS states: “Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days.”
They advise anyone with symptoms to not go to school, nursery or work until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. They should also not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days.
The NHS says the main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
The NHS advises to:
- stay at home and get plenty of rest
- drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
- carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual
- give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
- eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
- take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child
The health service advises against:
- do not have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
- do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength
- do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea
- do not give aspirin to children under 16
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This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
