Urgent warning as norovirus is rife ahead of Easter weekend – 8 ways to protect yourself
CASES OF the nasty ‘winter vomiting bug’ are still going strong as the Easter holiday heralds increased social mixing.
Norovirus figures are 68 per cent higher than the five season average, fresh data shows.
This means that cases are still exceeding the average recorded at this time of year before the pandemic.
The vomiting bug was spotted 665 times in the two weeks ending March 26, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures revealed.
And it continues to affect children up to four years old most, as well as people aged 65 years and over.
UKHSA acknowledged that cases have dipped slightly compared to what they were two weeks ago, but they remain high.
Most people become sick with norovirus after having direct contact with someone who’s infected by the bug.
This includes touching a surface which has been contaminated with poop or vomit particles from an infected person and then putting unwashed hands near your mouth.
Another mode of transmission to keep in mind as you prepare to mingle with friends and family this Easter weekend is that you can pick up norovirus from your favourite foods too.
When norovirus is circulating in your community, it’s just more likely it will end up on your plate after being handled by someone else.
Lots of outbreaks linked to food begin in restaurants or at catered events when infected staff touch ready-to-eat foods with their bare hands before serving them.
Still, any food that’s simply touched, even after it’s been cooked, can get contaminated with norovirus if an infected person is handling it – so it doesn’t even have to be the chef who’s contagious.
The three foods that are most often linked to norovirus outbreaks are:
- leafy greens
- fresh fruits
- shellfish
So washing your hands regularly is a good way of avoiding the bug.
And if you suspect food in your home has come into contact with someone with the bug, it’s best to toss it.
When it comes to eating at restaurants, it’s worth avoiding eating uncooked foods like salads and looking for places where people who come into contact with your food openly wear gloves, Professor Darin Detwiler of food safety at Northeastern University in Boston, US, said.
The 6 norovirus signs to watch out for ahead of Easter
The symptoms of norovirus come on suddenly and the NHS states the main signs are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
- you may also have a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
Norovirus can spread very easily and you can catch it from having close contact with someone who has the bug.
Touching your mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them could also lead to you getting it.
Alcohol-based hand gel does not kill norovirus, NHS guidance warns, so washing your hands frequently with soap and water is best way to stop it from spreading.
8 ways to protect yourself from norovirus
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.
- Pay close attention to hygiene – wash your hands frequently, using soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously sick
If you or members of your household are ill:
3. Try to keep those with symptoms away from others until the illness has subsided for at least 48 hours
4. Clean frequently – disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and water. This includes toilets, taps, telephones, door handles and kitchen surfaces
5. Wash contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at high temperature (60C)
6. Do not allow anyone who is sick to prepare food for other people
7. Anyone who has symptoms should drink fluids and stay well hydrated. Consider adding rehydration salts to water. Eat plain foods (if you can manage eating).
8. Seek medical attention if symptoms are not improving after 24 hours, or if concerned. This is especially important for young children and the elderly, as they are prone to rapid dehydration
If you or your child have norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. Make sure to have plenty of rest and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
You’ll usually start to feel better within two to three days.
The NHS advises that you call the helpline if:
- You’re worried about your baby who is younger than 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they’re ill
- You think your child under 5 might be dehydrated – signs could include fewer wet nappies
- You’ve used rehydration sachets but still have signs of dehydration
- You or your child keep being sick and can’t keep fluids down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or start bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days