“Unpleasant” symptoms of this illness include diarrhoea and vomiting
Health authorities across the UK have issued warnings about a 48-hour bug that spreads “at this time of year”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has encouraged the public to take preventative measures against contracting norovirus.
Referred to as the winter vomiting bug, this condition can strike “suddenly” but generally clears up within two days. However, during those two days the symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, can prove “unpleasant”.
In a message shared on social media platform X, the UKHSA stated: “We might associate winter illnesses with the sniffles, but norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, also spreads at this time of year.”
The NHS warns that norovirus symptoms can develop rapidly and commonly feature nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Additional indicators of the infection may include elevated temperature, headaches, abdominal cramps, and widespread body pains.
To halt the virus’s transmission, the health service recommends that those experiencing symptoms should steer clear of schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care facilities until 48 hours after your symptoms end.
Recuperation typically happens within two or three days, and maintaining proper hydration throughout this period is essential. The NHS emphasises: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
How to prevent the spread
Norovirus can be contracted if you fail to thoroughly wash your hands after using the toilet. Infection can occur through close contact with an infected individual, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching your mouth, or eating food prepared by someone carrying the virus.
Consuming contaminated water or food also poses a risk. Besides self-isolation when unwell, the NHS suggests several steps to limit the spread of the virus, advising that you:
- Wash your hands with soap and water (alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus) after using the toilet or changing nappies
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- Launder clothes and bedding that has faeces or vomit on it at a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Minimise contact with others as much as possible
This guidance is supported by the UKHSA which advises you should do the following if you have norovirus:.
- Stay at home and rest
- Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped
- Avoid visiting your GP or hospital while symptomatic – if you’re concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS norovirus webpage
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea
- Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated food
- Wash hands regularly and clean, wash or disinfect thoroughly any contaminated items or surfaces such as clothes, bedding, toilets, taps and door handles
If you experience any symptoms the NHS says you should:
- Not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
- Not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
If you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.
