A new variant of norovirus, known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is currently rampant across the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified this strain as the Kawasaki strain, or GII. 17, which now accounts for around 70% of cases. Individuals struck by the virus are being advised to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside.
Dr John Burke from AXA Health warned that norovirus is “extremely contagious”. AXA Health has reported a doubling in cases compared to last year. The ‘Kawasaki bug’, first detected in Kawasaki, Japan, in 2014, has rapidly become prevalent in the UK. Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, emphasised: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”
Dr Burke, who serves as chief medical officer at AXA Health and boasts over 25 years as a GP, reiterated: “Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected. Often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other.”, reports Surrey Live.
The NHS describes norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, as a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It is highly unpleasant but usually resolves itself within two days.
Key symptoms of norovirus include:
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
Symptoms typically develop suddenly within a day or two of infection. Self-treatment at home is often possible. Rest and staying hydrated are crucial to avoid dehydration. Most people start feeling better within two to three days, according to the NHS.
Learn how to manage diarrhoea and vomiting in both children and adults. The NHS advises: “Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days. This is when you’re most infectious. Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.”
The NHS says norovirus can spread very easily. You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
Regular hand washing with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread. Alcohol hand gels are ineffective against norovirus.
Get advice from 111 now if:
- you’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
- you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days