Britons are being urged by health authorities to stay home for 48 hours after recovering from norovirus, as the virus remains highly infectious once symptoms subside.
Dubbed the "winter vomiting bug", norovirus strikes down 685 million people worldwide every single year, killing 200,000 of them, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a warning issued to Britons over social media last week, the UKHSA warned: "Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you're feeling unwell, stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time."
In July, the NHS shared a notice highlighting that norovirus cases were higher than normal, reminding Britons that the virus can spread all year round, causing diarrhoea and vomiting.
Norovirus can bring on a host of unpleasant symptoms
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However, the health body notes on its website that it is often dubbed the "winter vomiting bug" because it tends to spread more aggressively during the colder months.
Children bear the brunt of it, with 200 million cases in under-fives alone. And 50,000 of those child deaths happen mostly in poorer countries where healthcare is harder to access.
The financial toll is a staggering £48billion globally when you add up healthcare costs and lost productivity.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a viral illness that brings on a host of unpleasant symptoms, including a fever of 38C or higher. Those infected are still contagious for 48 hours after they feel better.
The NHS warns it's "incredibly infectious," explaining why it spreads quickly through schools, care homes and cruise ships.
The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
Cases in England have shot up dramatically this year. The UK Health Security Agency found that between late May and late June, there were 16,679 laboratory-confirmed cases - that's a massive 124.2 per cent jump compared to what's typical for that time of year.
While the NHS took to social media to warn people that cases in July, the UKHSA's recent July data showed cases had dropped to "low" levels.
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The NHS urges Britons to absolutely must stay home for two full days after symptoms stop
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How to protect yourself?
The NHS urges Britons to absolutely must stay home for two full days after their symptoms stop - that's when you're still spreading it around.
What's more, hand sanitiser won't touch norovirus. You need proper soap and water, especially after using the loo or before handling food.
If someone's been sick at home, wash their bedding and clothes at 60C separately from everything else. Give toilet seats, taps, and door handles a good clean too.
Ring 111 if diarrhoea lasts more than a week or vomiting goes beyond two days.
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