Warning as norovirus cases soar by 34% in two weeks – the 6 signs you’re infected
NOROVIRUS cases have risen by a third in two weeks, new official data shows.
Cases of winter vomiting were almost double the average for this time of year, according to the UK Health Authority (UKHSA).
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In the two weeks leading up to February 12, 708 norovirus infections were reported, compared to an average of 373 typically recorded in the same two weeks prior to the pandemic.
Infections were also up 34 percent from activity over the past two weeks.
The UKHSA recorded 685 infections between January 23 and February 5.
Meanwhile, The Sun reported last week that infections were “significantly higher” than usual at this time of year, with an average of 706 patients hospitalized with norovirus-like symptoms.
“It is likely that unusual norovirus activity will continue throughout the 2022/2023 season,” wrote the UKHSA.
Most cases continued to be recorded in people aged 65 and over.
The UKHSA also said reports of suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks in hospitals have also increased compared to previous weeks.
However, these are still below the 5-season average.
Figures from the UKHSA show the magnitude of the bug was “unusually low” from March 2019 to 2020, with cases increasing into 2020/2021.
The 6 norovirus signs to look out for:
Norovirus symptoms come on suddenly and the NHS states the main signs are:
- nausea (nausea)
- Diarrhea
- nausea (vomiting)
- They can also have a high temperature
- Headache
- aching arms and legs
Norovirus can spread very easily and you can get it from close contact with someone who has the bug.
Touching your mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them can also cause you to get it.
How to protect yourself from the norovirus
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways you can prevent yourself and your family from catching the virus.
- Pay special attention to hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously ill
If you or members of your household are ill:
- Try to keep people with symptoms away from others until the illness has cleared for at least 48 hours
- Clean Frequently – Disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces or items with a bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and water. This includes toilets, faucets, telephones, doorknobs and kitchen surfaces
- Wash contaminated clothing or bedding with detergent at high temperature (60°C).
- Do not allow anyone who is ill to prepare food for others
- Anyone who has symptoms should drink fluids and stay well hydrated. Consider adding rehydration salts to the water. Eat simple foods (if you manage to eat).
- See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve after 24 hours or if you’re concerned. This is especially important for young children and the elderly as they tend to dehydrate quickly.
Alcohol-based hand gel doesn’t kill norovirus, the NHS guide warns, so frequent hand washing with soapy water is the best way to prevent the spread.
If you or your child has norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. Get enough rest and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
You will usually feel better within 2 to 3 days.
When to call 111
The NHS advises you to call the helpline if:
- You are worried about your baby younger than 12 months
- Your child stops breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while sick
- You think your child under the age of 5 may be dehydrated – signs of this could be less wet diapers
- You have used rehydration bags but still have signs of dehydration
- You or your child are constantly ill and cannot keep the liquid down
- You or your child has diarrhea that is bloody or starts to bleed from below
- You or your child have diarrhea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days
https://www.the-sun.com/health/7471185/warning-as-norovirus-cases-soar-infected/ Warning as norovirus cases soar by 34% in two weeks – the 6 signs you’re infected