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Britain Issues Stay-at-home Warning As Cases of Norovirus Hit Record High; Know Early Signs To Watch Out For
Nearly 900 people a day were hospitalised due to infection last week
British health officials are urging residents to adopt measures like staying at home and masking up when going outside after a worrying surge in norovirus cases has been reported. Even though cases of the winter vomiting bug are common at this time of year, the latest figures have shown levels of hospitalisations in the UK are 30 per cent higher than in the same period last year.
According to the NHS, nearly 900 people a day were hospitalised last week, which is a 15 per cent jump from the week before. "The worrying surge in norovirus cases—now at their highest level so far this winter—means there is no let-up for NHS staff," Professor Julian Redhead, from the NHS, told The Sun.
Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea – leading to dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups like young children and older or immunocompromised people. It is highly contagious, and the outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months. This infection is the number one cause of foodborne illness in most countries of the world.
With high levels of other winter viruses this year, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, experts at the UKHSA are urging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid getting and spreading illness.
What are the first signs of norovirus?
According to experts, the first symptoms of norovirus, that you must watch out for, include:
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- High fever
- Body aches
According to experts, you must immediately visit the hospital if:
- Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
- Have green vomit
- Have yellow-green or green vomit
- 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
How can you treat norovirus?
While there is no cure for norovirus, the treatment for the infection focuses on relieving your symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage your symptoms by:
- Drinking plenty of liquids, especially liquids that contain electrolytes
- Getting a lot of rest
- Eating soft and bland foods
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