Nurse shares three things you should do to stop 'harrowing' winter bug sweeping the UK
by Beth Tanner · ChronicleLiveAs a highly contagious bug sweeps across the UK, a nurse has shared three steps that Brits can take to keep themselves safe from the illness. Usually, Norovirus cases tend to peak slightly later in the year, but this year the winter bug has already seen an increase in cases.
According to NHS data, Norovirus infections increased by 29% between September 23 and October 6, which is two times as fast as the virus usually spreads at this time of year. Sufferers have said that they felt 'worse than they've ever felt', while others who have contracted the nasty virus have said the symptoms were 'harrowing'.
A nurse has shared three things that you can do to stop the illness from spreading. NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate said in a TikTok video: "If you are feeling or being sick, have diarrhoea or have a temperature, headache, or aching in your arms or legs, it could be norovirus."
If you suspect you have norovirus, you should stay off work and school "until you've not had diarrhoea or vomiting for two days," Woodgate explained.
"Do not visit care homes or hospitals during this time," she added. "Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread," Woodgate continued, reports the Mirror.
It is important to note that hand sanitiser is not effective in stopping the spread of norovirus and should not be used as a substitute for washing your hands with soap.
It's advised that a thorough handwashing should last about 40 seconds, especially after using the toilet or changing a nappy, as well as before eating or preparing food; this is in line with NHS guidance. "If you are worried about you or your child's symptoms, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111," Woodgate noted, further describing the stomach bug as "very unpleasant" but also something that typically resolves within two days without the need for professional medical treatment—rest and a good intake of fluids can suffice at home.
NHS Inform warns against visiting your GP if afflicted by norovirus due to its contagious nature. Nevertheless, it's important to seek immediate emergency care if vomit contains blood or resembles ground coffee, if green or, in children, yellow-green vomit is present, if there's potential ingestion of something poisonous, or if one experiences severe neck stiffness, pain when exposed to bright lights, sudden intense headaches, or extreme stomach pains.
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