From the early signs to common mistakes – how to protect your family from norovirus as cases surge
WITH hospitals seeing triple the amount of norovirus cases compared to last year, health bosses are bracing for a Christmas onslaught of the winter vomiting bug.
The nasty illness causes vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads very easily.
In most cases, the unpleasant symptoms will run their course within a few days.
For parents keeping a wary eye over their children for signs of the bug this Christmas, here's what you need to know about the virus - from early signs to know to mistake you're making when trying to prevent it.
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms of norovirus can come on suddenly, within a day or two of being infected with the bug.
The three main ones include:
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick
But those with the virus might also have a temperature, headache and achey arms and legs.
How can I treat norovirus?
If you or your child have been struck down by the unpleasant bug, it's usually possible to treat symptoms at home, according to the NHS.
It doesn't tend to be a dangerous illness and complications from it are rare, according to Patient.info.
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But it's worth bearing in mind that you or your child will be vulnerable to dehydration, as you're losing a lot of fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Patient.info said dehydration tends to be the most common complication of a norovirus infection, so it's important to replace any fluids lost.
The other most important thing is to get plenty of rest.
You or your little one should start feeling better within two or three days after you start experiencing symptoms.
How is norovirus spread?
According to the NHS, you can catch norovirus from:
- Being in close contact with someone with the bug
- Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- Eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
Patient.info said it's super easy to spread the virus through close contact or objects, as the infected people will have the virus on their hands after going to the toilet
Large outbreaks of norovirus affecting many people can also occur, which is why cruise ships are often sites of infection.
Transmission can also happen in hospitals, nursing homes and in schools.
What are some common mistakes made with norovirus infections?
The best way to protect yourself and others from the virus is keeping your hands clean.
But a common mistake made is thinking that hand sanitiser is enough to kill the virus.
As the NHS states: "Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus."
Instead, you should be washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water - especially after going to the toilet.
Another mistake commonly made is sharing towels and flannels with an infected person.
You should also not forget to regularly clean and disinfect the toilets you use, using a bleach-based household cleaner.
And finally, you shouldn't return to work or send your child back to school until you're sure you're both not infectious.
The NHS advises you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.
When should I seek medical help?
You should get advice from NHS 111 if:
- You're worried about a baby under 12 months
- Your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
- A child under five years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes, few or no tears and drowsiness
- You or your child that's over five still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
- You or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
- You or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days
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And you should call 999 or go to A&E if either of you:
- Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Have green vomit (adults)
- Have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
- Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
- Have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache