Urgent warning to people who had brutal winter vomiting bug issued by UK health agency
A health warning has been issued to Brits about the brutal winter vomiting bug that seems to be sweeping across the country.
While the weather's improving - with the sun being visible at the time of writing - it turns out that this won't kill the health worry surrounding what's known as the winter vomiting bug.
Not the catchiest nickname, but it's caught on.
You may have noticed more people in your office or home with the sniffles or coughs, but one of the main causes behind the uptick in illnesses is the expected culprit: norovirus.
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The virus swept across the UK this autumn and winter as cases increased more in comparison to previous years, but it's not over yet.
Now, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of a potential second norovirus wave, and people that had the virus over winter months in particular, could be at risk.
As reported on gov.uk today (27 February), data on norovirus cases are continuing to rise, with lab reports at their highest levels since data starting being reported this way, in 2014.
The latest data confirmed that cases from 3 to 16 February were 29.4 percent higher than the preceding two-week period, and more than double the 5-season average for this period, at a figure of 168 percent.
It is stated that the worry is in hospitals and care homes particularly, with those over the age at 65 particularly at risk.
While cases usually decrease as spring approaches, it is too soon to tell if norovirus has peaked or not, so things could get worse.
It is believed that the increase in cases is to doo with the new genotype, GII.17, which emerged in November, accounting for 76 percent of cases at the time, though that number has dropped to 59 percent.
People who have had one genotype are not fully protected against others though, meaning that they are still at risk at getting the likes of GII.4. So, how do you avoid contracting the troublesome virus?
Well firstly, it's good to note that alcohol hand gels or sanitiser doesn't actually kill the bug - you'll need to wash your hands to get rid of the pesky microbes.
Sadly, norovirus is easily spreadable, whether it be through close contact with someone that has it, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them before touching your mouth, you have to stay vigilant.
Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to stop the spread.
Symptoms of norovirus
In case you weren't aware, norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
The main symptoms of norovirus are listed by the NHS to be diarrhoea, vomiting, and experiencing nausea. As well as this, you could get a high temperature, have a headache and experience aching arms and legs.
These symptoms tend to come on within just one to two days of infection.
How to treat norovirus
It is advised that you stay at home and treat it, as it tends to go away within a couple of days.
Rest and fluids are your best friends, so your body can fight the virus and stay hydrated, while painkillers can help to deal with any aches or pains.
If you have the stomach bug, you should also stick to plain foods and try not to eat too much and risk upsetting your stomach.
Staying home from work or school is also essential during this time, as the NHS say to go back in if you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.
Joshua Nair