Cases are skyrocketing ahead of the winter months where it usually gets even worse
Brits are being warned after cases of a brutal illness are hitting the shores of the UK earlier and in bigger numbers than usual for autumn.
We're of course talking about the highly infectious norovirus, which, if you've not had, you definitely do not want.
Usually a condition that is more common in the colder winter months, norovirus – or the 'winter vomiting bug' – is making an early break for it, despite autumn being incredibly mild so far.
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The most recent NHS data shows that infections are up 29 percent between 23 September and 6 October, a level that is double the usual outbreak level for this time of year.
Here's everything you need to know to prepare and protect yourself from norovirus.
What are symptoms of norovirus?
Norovirus is not just a standard tummy bug. Instead, it can be incredibly unpleasant, and leave you lacking the energy to do anything at all.
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The three main symptoms of the stomach bug is feeling sick, having diarrhoea, and then actually being sick.
Other symptoms include having a high temperature, headaches, and aches throughout your arms and legs.
You can get these symptoms suddenly, appearing usually between one and two days after exposure.
How do I treat norovirus?
The main thing to do when suffering from norovirus is to keep your fluid intake up, as you're be losing a lot of it via two of the three main symptoms. Small sips might be the best approach to stop a sensitive stomach from reacting.
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Over-the-counter painkillers can alleviate discomfort, and you should avoid spicy or fatty foods, eating plain meals when you are able to.
To avoid getting norovirus in the first place, you should limit your physical contact with surfaces or objects that could have the virus on them. If you do touch them, such as the handle of a door, don't touch your mouth and wash your hands after doing so.
Norovirus '48-hour' warning
People who experience symptoms of norovirus have also been told to stay away from workplaces or schools for a 48-hour period after they start to impact you.
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You are also advised to not visit doctor surgeries, hospitals, or care homes, so as not to spread the illness through people who might be more prone to infection.
Hospital infections are currently 22 percent higher than standard, official data says.
Amy Douglas, an epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Norovirus levels have remained higher than expected recently and cases are likely to increase.
“To help reduce the spread of the infection, if you have diarrhoea and vomiting, take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
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"Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and don’t prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings."
Does hand sanitiser work against norovirus?
Douglas has warned Brits that you cannot stop norovirus from using hand sanitiser alone.
"Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone," she explained, meaning that most hand gels would not be enough to stop it from getting you, should you happen to come into contact with it.
Instead, properly washing your hands is the way to go, like how we were told to during the Covid pandemic.
She said: "Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading."
