Norovirus is taking areas of the UK by storm after hundreds of people have been struck down with the illness. Health experts are seeing more cases with the emergence of cold weather, with outbreaks causing hospital wards and entire schools to close. Around 700 people have come down with the highly contagious virus in the past 12 weeks, with Public Health England (PHE) revealing there have been 696 laboratory reports of norovirus in England and Wales since early August.
So which areas of the UK have been hit by the virus so far?
Carnforth North Road Primary School in Lancashire was shut after 50 pupils and staff were reportedly struck down by norovirus, and at a ward at Cannock Chase Hospital in Staffordshire visiting hours were restricted to just an hour a day due to an outbreak.
Similar restrictions were put in place at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire for four days, and doctors told patients norovirus is currently “doing the rounds” in Hull and East Yorkshire, according to HullLive.
Rock Ferry Primary School in Wirral also closed this week after a norovirus outbreak meant over 100 children were taken ill. Large number of staff were also affected.
READ MORE: Norovirus: Where are you most likely to get infected?
Predictions of how the current season will progress cannot be made at this moment, but Britons are being urged to take precautions to prevent catching the unpleasant symptoms associated with the virus.
How can you catch norovirus?
PHE advises: “The virus is easily transmitted through contact with infected individuals from one person to another.
“Outbreaks are common in semi-enclosed environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools and cruise ships and can also occur in restaurants and hotels.
“The virus is usually mild and lasts for one to two days.”
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What are the symptoms of norovirus?
The NHS lists the main symptoms as:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
People may also experience:
- A high temperature of 38C or above
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
Symptoms usually start within one to two days of being infected.
You should also avoid preparing food while infected and immediately clean and disinfect surfaces after episodes of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Also wash clothes and bed linens that may be contaminated thoroughly.
The virus can usually be treated at home, but recognising symptoms of the illness and following these preventative measures can help ensure the virus doesn’t spread.
As part of treatment, stay at home and get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, such as water, take paracetamol if you’re in discomfort, and eat when you feel able to.
If you are in need of medical advice you should call NHS 111.
