Urgent Alert As Norovirus Cases Are 91% Higher Than Normal – 2 Tips To Avoid Mistakes
NOROVIRUS cases are almost double normal, official data shows.
The refractive error was detected 797 times in the two weeks to March 19, 91 per cent more than the five-year average, figures from Britain’s Health Safety Agency revealed.
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Children under four and adults over 65 saw the highest rates of the virus, which has reached large numbers this year.
It’s important to note that norovirus cases aren’t always reported, meaning the recent spike could be much higher.
Average cases hit 840 earlier this month, which was the highest number since reporting for the current virus season began in November.
Separate NHS data also showed that the number of hospital beds occupied by patients with norovirus symptoms was 554 in the week ending March 26.
Last year there were 240, more than twice as many.
The NHS’ national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said the health service had seen “worryingly” high numbers in hospitals.
He said: “Thousands of patients are still hospitalized with winter virus every day, including double the number of norovirus cases compared to this time last year.”
The UKHSA has previously warned that most outbreaks take place in care homes, so it’s important to take steps to reduce the spread.
Experts have urged Britons to avoid hospitals and care until at least two days after symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, have stopped.
They added that using hand gels does not kill the virus, so washing hands with warm soap and water is best.
The 6 norovirus signs you need to know
Norovirus symptoms appear suddenly and that NHS states that the main characters are:
- nausea (nausea)
- Diarrhea
- nausea (vomiting)
- They can also have a high temperature
- Headache
- aching arms and legs
Norovirus can spread very easily and you can get it from close contact with someone who has the bug.
Touching your mouth after touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them can also cause you to get it.
Alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill norovirus, the NHS warns, so frequent hand washing with soap and water is the best way to prevent the spread.
If you or your child has norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. Get enough rest and avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
You will usually feel better within two to three days.
How to protect yourself from the norovirus
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways you can prevent yourself and your family from catching the virus.
- Pay special attention to hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with people who are obviously ill
If you or members of your household are ill:
- Try to keep people with symptoms away from others until the illness has cleared for at least 48 hours
- Clean Frequently – Disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces or items with a bleach-based household cleaner or a combination of bleach and water. This includes toilets, faucets, telephones, doorknobs and kitchen surfaces
- Wash contaminated clothing or bedding with detergent at high temperature (60°C).
- Do not allow anyone who is ill to prepare food for others
- Anyone who has symptoms should drink fluids and stay well hydrated. Consider adding rehydration salts to the water. Eat simple foods (if you manage to eat).
- See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve after 24 hours or if you’re concerned. This is especially important for young children and the elderly as they tend to dehydrate quickly
https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/health/10444113/warning-norovirus-cases-higher-protect-yourself/ Urgent Alert As Norovirus Cases Are 91% Higher Than Normal – 2 Tips To Avoid Mistakes
