Brits have been warned to be on high alert for a nasty winter bug that’s spreading “like wildfire”, causing hospital wards to close and putting extra strain on NHS services. The dreaded norovirus has seen an alarming rise in cases, with St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, having to shut three of its wards due to an outbreak.
The latest figures reveal that 961 patients a day were admitted to hospitals across England with the virus last week – a seven percent increase from the previous week and a staggering 69 percent higher than the same period last year. Professor Arlene Wellman, group chief nurse for St George’s Hospital, issued a stark warning: “Once norovirus enters a hospital, it can rip through our wards like wildfire, making patients even sicker.”
The highly contagious virus spreads through faeces, meaning it can easily be transmitted if someone fails to wash their hands properly after using the toilet.
According to the NHS, symptoms of norovirus can appear “suddenly” and may include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, a high temperature, headache, stomach pain, and body aches and pains.
In case you start showing any signs of illness, the NHS strongly advises against attending school, nursery, or work until at least two days have passed since the last occurrence of sickness or diarrhoea. It’s recommended to stay clear of hospitals and care homes during this time too, reports the Mirror.
Generally, you’ll start feeling better within just a couple of days. The NHS emphasises: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
Aside from self-isolating if symptomatic, additional measures can be taken to curb the spread of infection.
Prof Wellman said: “We are doing everything we can to limit the spread, but you can help us.”
He adds an essential piece of advice: “Hand sanitisers such as alcohol gel do not kill the bug – the simple act of good hand washing with soap and water can make all the difference between our beds being used to care for patients, or lying empty at a time when every bed is precious.”
The NHS also provides specific guidance which includes: if you or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, it’s important to contact 111.
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