Children under five are currently among those worst affected
Parents have been reminded to follow some vital steps as cases of a nasty winter bug are up 73.8 per cent in the UK. Children under five are currently among those worst affected by the spread of this illness.
An update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that cases of norovirus were 73.8 per cent higher from January 12 to 25 than the five-season average for the same two-week period. They were also 18.3 per cent higher than during the previous two weeks.
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus typically causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can spread very easily through close contact with someone with norovirus, or contaminated surfaces, food, and water.
The UKHSA further explained that those aged 65 and over and those under five have accounted for the majority of recent reported cases. It said: “While older people continue to account for most cases of the vomiting bug, activity has also increased in children under the age of five in recent weeks.
“With this increase among nursery-age children, parents are advised to lead by example and encourage good hygiene habits. It’s also important to know when to keep your child at home and when to send them to school as this can go a long way in preventing further spread.
“If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, they should stay home for at least 48 hours after these symptoms clear up.” Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, commented: “Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks, particularly among those aged 65 years and over and is now increasing among children aged under five years as well.
“Outbreaks in hospital settings have also increased. We should all remember the simple steps we can take to stop norovirus spreading, including washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces.
“Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t 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 to those most vulnerable.”
The NHS recommends the following steps to prevent the spread of norovirus:
- Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- Wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible
- Do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
- Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
Aside from vomiting and diarrhoea, it can also cause:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Tummy pain
- Body aches and pains
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
