SICK OF IT
Cases of violent stomach bug still soaring in UK – as experts warn 7 things you must do if you catch it
Plus, the latest on a norovirus vaccine
CASES of a winter illness that causes violent bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea are "way above" what we usually see in the UK at this time of year - and experts are warning what to do to prevent further spread.
Winter viruses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV have been particularly bad this UK winter, putting huge strain on the NHS.
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While the latest figures reveal flu levels in hospitals have fallen for the fifth week in a row, norovirus levels continue to remain higher than at this point 12 months ago.
Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a very contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.
Other symptoms might include a high temperature, headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.
As vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance and severe illness in some people.
Read more on norovirus
According to the latest data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), an average of 948 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms.
This is down slightly (by 1 per cent) from 961 the previous week, which had been the highest so far this season.
A year ago, an average of 565 beds were filled with patients with symptoms.
Dr Gauri Godbole, Deputy Director at UKHSA said: “Norovirus cases are still exceptionally high and continue to rise.
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"Half term usually provides a bit of a firebreak, so hopefully we will see a fall in numbers in the next few weeks. However, it’s really important that if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you take steps to avoid passing the infection on."
Over the last few weeks, the UKHSA has been continuously warning Brits norovirus cases are way above what we usually see at this time of year.
HSE advise deep cleaning and handwashing to avoid Norovirus bug after Irish schools affected
As the virus spreads easily, it recommends seven things you must do if you're unlucky enough to catch it.
1. Avoid using antibiotics
Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics because it works to fight bacteria, not viruses.
2. Keep hydrated
Vomiting and diarrhoea causes your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration. This is when many of the complications of norovirus occur.
Elderly people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of becoming dehydrated and needing treatment.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this.
3. Stay at home
You should not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms of norovirus have stopped.
Also avoid visiting your GP or hospital during this time.
If you're concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP over the phone or contact NHS 111.
4. Avoid cooking
Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
This is because norovirus can be spread through contaminated food.
Norovirus vaccine in development
THERE are currently no licensed norovirus vaccines in use anywhere in the world.
But a global trial is underway, with 25,000 volunteers taking part.
After a surge in hospitalisations this winter, doctors hope a vaccine could lead to fewer hospital admissions and fewer wards being closed.
The Nova 301 trial will see a vaccine developed by pharmaceutical firm Moderna and 2,500 volunteers in the UK taking part.
Like Moderna's vaccine used in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the study involves messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA).
When used in vaccines, mRNA shows the body's cells some genetic code from the bacteria or virus.
This doesn't cause infection but can teach the body how to defend itself.
The body reads and translates the code and its own natural immune cells take over.
If the trial is successful, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will decide whether it can be licensed.
5. Wash contaminated clothing at 60°C
Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at 60°C to kill the virus.
You should also wear disposable gloves to handle contaminated items.
6. Disinfect contaminated surfaces
Use bleach-based cleaning products where possible as norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or weeks.
Catching norovirus more than once
Norovirus immunity is short lived and there is no cross-strain immunity, so it's possible to have multiple norovirus infections in a short period of time, the UKHSA also warns.
It adds: "While norovirus spreads easily, taking the precautions listed above can dramatically reduce your risk of catching it this winter.
"Practising good hygiene and avoiding contact with others while infectious are at the core of protecting yourself and others from the spread of the virus."
When to call 999 or go to A&E
While most people start to feel better in two to three days after the symptoms of norovirus start, the NHS warns of more serious symptoms to look out for that may require hospitalisation.
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It recommends calling 999 or going to A&E if you or your child:
- vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- have green vomit (adults)
- have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- may have swallowed something poisonous
- have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- have a sudden, severe headache
- have a sudden, severe tummy ache
- have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue - on brown or black skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
- are confused or not responding as usual
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