Brits are being struck down by a highly contagious winter bug, with norovirus cases rising earlier than usual this year.
The latest figures from the NHS indicate a 29% increase in infections between September 23 and October 6 – double the average rate for this period. Those affected have described the experience as “worse than they’ve ever felt” and the symptoms as “harrowing.”
In response to the outbreak, an NHS nurse has taken to TikTok to offer crucial advice. NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate advised: “If you are feeling or being sick, have diarrhoea or have a temperature, headache, or aching in your arms or legs, it could be norovirus.”
She outlined three key steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Firstly, stay at home if you suspect you have norovirus, avoiding work and school “until you’ve not had diarrhoea or vomiting for two days,” said Woodgate.
She also stressed the importance of not visiting care homes or hospitals during this time, reports Coventry Live.
Secondly, wash hands thoroughly. “Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread,” she continued, noting that hand sanitiser does not effectively combat norovirus and should not replace handwashing.
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The NHS advises that handwashing should last around 40 seconds and is particularly vital after using the toilet or handling a nappy, and before eating or handling food. In case of concern about symptoms, “If you are worried about you or your child’s symptoms, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111,” recommended Woodgate.
She highlighted that the “very unpleasant” stomach bug, often norovirus, typically resolves within two days and can be managed at home with rest and ample hydration, generally without the need for professional treatment.
NHS Inform cautions against visiting the GP if suffering from norovirus due to the risk of spreading it further. However, immediate A&E attendance is urged for symptoms such as vomiting blood or vomit resembling ground coffee, green vomit, suspicion of swallowing something poisonous, experiencing a stiff neck or pain on exposure to bright lights, or abrupt severe headaches or stomach aches.
Transmission of norovirus can occur through close proximity to an infected person, contact with contaminated surfaces, then touching your mouth, or consuming food handled by someone who has the virus. A TikTok user, Isabel Klee (@simonsits), described her encounter with the virus as ‘harrowing’, saying: “It has been four days and I am finally feeling like a human being.”
She added: “The past four days have been the most harrowing, awful days of my life.”
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