The health expert says that people need to stick to this rule with the NHS backing it up
An NHS GP has issued a 48-hour warning to help avoid the spreading of the ‘quad-demic’ this winter. The so-called ‘quad-demic’ consists of four illnesses, as the name suggests, all of which are common during the colder months.
In a TikTok video, doctor Shireen explains that right now, there is a good chance “you or someone you know is suffering from one or four viruses that are prevalent right now. They are everywhere”.
She explains: “The four viruses that we are talking about right now are COVID-19, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), the flu and more recently added to that mix as the norovirus. So the first three typically have cold-like symptoms of runny nose, high fever and norovirus is the tummy bug that gives you diarrhoea and vomiting.”
Pondering what we can do to “protect ourselves” she says that with the likes of Covid-19, the flu and “more recently RSV”, “there are vaccines” however for the “norovirus unfortunately there isn’t any vaccine. But there are ways that we can reduce the spread”.
Urging people to think back to 2020 during Covid times, she says that “washing your hands is so important, try to maintain social distancing. So if you are feeling any symptoms and you are unwell, try to avoid social contact”. Talking about the 48-hour rule, she says that if you are ill with the norovirus, “you need to avoid school, work, nursery, from 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped”.
According to the NHS, whilst unpleasant, the norovirus can go away within two days and it can spread easily. The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
The NHS also emphasises the 48-hour rule, warning: “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.”
How is norovirus spread?
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
“Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus”, the health service further warns.
