How To Protect Yourself From Soaring Cases Of Norovirus

If there is one thing parents dread as much as Covid-19, it’s norovirus, but the vomiting and diarrhoea bug seems to be sweeping through British households as cases continue to rise. 

According to the UK Health Security agency (UKHSA), incidences of the virus are 66 per cent higher than average. Cases are particularly high in elderly people, with the number reaching the highest they have been in over a decade. 

With cases on the rise and the stomach flu very difficult to stop from spreading, it is important households take every precaution they can to stop it entering their home. 

Stay away from infected cases

Norovirus is incredibly infectious and can be contracted by being in contact with someone who has the bug or by touching contaminated surfaces. Therefore, it is essential to stay away from anyone who has been vomiting or has had diarrhoea recently. 

It typically only lasts two to three days, but those who have it are very contagious during that time. That is why it is important to avoid anyone who has been sick or had loose stools and have not isolated themselves.

Dr Lesley Larkin, surveillance lead for Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at the UKHSA, advised those with symptoms to stay at home for at least two days after recovering. 

She added this is particularly important if seeing anyone over the age of 65, stating: “If you have a loved one in a care home or hospital, please avoid visiting until 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.”

Wash your hands

During the pandemic, everyone became very good at washing their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. However, this habit has declined over the last three years. 

Dr Larkin reminded people of the importance of regular handwashing with warm and soapy water. Alcohol gels do not get rid of the virus, so these cannot be used as a replacement for normal handwashing. 

Bleach contaminated surfaces

If norovirus is in your workplace or home, it is essential to clean any contaminated surfaces immediately and thoroughly. The virus is incredibly contagious and anyone touching the same stair bannister, door handle or remote control can easily become sick themselves. 

The UKHSA recommended using a bleach-based household cleaner on surfaces or a mixture of bleach and hot water. Commonly-touched surfaces, such as telephones, kitchen worktops, toilets and taps, should be cleaned immediately. 

Homes with inhabitants who have norovirus need to continually clean shared spaces. It is a good idea to give them a towel, cutlery, plate, bowl, cup, and blanket they can keep for themselves to reduce the risk of infection. 

Wash bedding

Equally important is washing the bedding of the sick patient. This needs to be put in the washing machine at 60C, as the hot temperature is more likely to kill off the germs. 

If you happen to get norovirus despite your best efforts, the best thing to do is have rest and drink plenty of water. Medication, such as Imodium Plus, can help control diarrhoea, while peppermint tea will settle your stomach.