Members of the public are being warned, including those who have recently been unwell
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to the public, including those who have recently been unwell. This comes as norovirus cases remain alarmingly high across the country.
In a recent Instagram post, the UKHSA stated: “NOROVIRUS: our latest data shows a decrease in cases, but overall we are still seeing very high levels.” The agency further warned that individuals “can catch norovirus more than once, even if you had it fairly recently.”
Additional advice on the UKHSA’s website suggests that the spread can be reduced by “washing your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against the virus”. It also advises people to “stay at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop and disinfect surfaces using a bleach-based cleaner where possible”
The UKHSA’s blog on norovirus further explains that while the illness is typically brief and unpleasant, certain groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe and extended symptoms.
In some cases, medical attention might be needed. As the official guidance outlines: “You can catch norovirus more than once because at any given time multiple genotypes of norovirus are circulating: you can be infected by one and you will have limited immunity if you are then exposed to a different one soon after.”
Common symptoms involve nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea; other possible symptoms are high temperatures, headaches, stomach pain, or body aches. Generally, norovirus can be self-managed with rest and hydration, but it is recommended to dial 111 for advice concerning babies under one year old, if children stop breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to sickness, if there are signs of dehydration in children under five, dehydration that persists despite using rehydration solutions, continuous vomiting, or inability to keep liquids down, bloody diarrhoea or rectal bleeding, or if diarrhoea endures for over a week, or if vomiting for more than two days.
