Warning as norovirus on the rise in schools

BRITS have been urged to look out for the telltale signs of norovirus as cases increase in schools.

It’s also known as the winter vomiting bug, with people being struck down with sickness and diarrhoea.

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The country hasn’t really seen an outbreak of the vomiting illness since the start of the pandemic, with mixing kept to a minimum.

But data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that cases of the bug are now on the rise – and are mainly increasing in educational settings such as schools, colleges and universities.

Outbreaks in hospitals have however remained low.

Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety, UK Health Security Agency explained that now pandemic restrictions have lifted, cases have naturally risen.

Just last month it was reported that cases were 48 per cent higher than had been expected for this time of year.

In the last two weeks cases have only been 18 per cent lower than the five-season average.

It’s important if you think you have norovirus that you avoid spreading the bug.

Norovirus easily spreads around public places and is transmitted when a tiny particle of vomit or poo from an infected person gets into someone else’s mouth.

That sounds a bit gross and unlikely but it can happen – in particular when you touch a contaminated surface and then put your hand in your mouth – or if you eat food which has been contaminated.

You can also catch it if you are in close proximity to an infected person and they breathe on you.

What are the signs of norovirus you need to know

According to the NHS website, you are likely to have caught norovirus if you experience a sudden sick feeling, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.

The main symptoms are:

1. Being sick (vomiting)
2. Feeling sick (nausea)
3. Diarrhoea
4. A high temperature
5. A headache
6. Aching arms and legs

The first three symptoms are the most common, with other people also experiencing a high temperature, headache and aching limbs.

Dr Larkin explained said: “Now pandemic restrictions have been lifted and people are mixing more, norovirus outbreaks have increased in recent weeks.

“Stay at home if you are experiencing norovirus symptoms and do not return to work or mix with friends and family until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.”

If you are unlucky enough to catch norovirus, then Dr Larkin says there are some things you can do to treat yourself at home.

“It is important to drink water to avoid dehydration and do not visit elderly relatives, especially in care homes or hospitals while unwell.

“Hand washing is key to help stop the spread of this bug, but unlike for Covid-19 alcohol hand sanitisers do not kill off norovirus, so soap and warm water is best”, Dr Larkin added.