NHS says 'stay off work or school' as norovirus cases soar

Hayley Parker & Kate Lally

26 November 2024 at 3:21 pm·2-min read

NHS leaders are calling on the public to "stay off work or school" if they are struck down with symptoms of norovirus. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a huge increase in the spread of the "winter vomiting bug" this year.

Now they are urging the public to take extra cautions to ease pressure on the NHS. The alert comes as the Royal Stoke University Hospital has declared a critical incident due to bed-blocking in its A&E department.

The government health body alerted: "Symptoms include feeling sick, diarrhoea, and being sick, and sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs. If you have these symptoms, government health bosses advise you "stay at home for 48 hours until symptoms are clear."

The NHS website offers additional advice, stating: "Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. This is when you're most infectious."

It also cautions against visiting hospitals or care homes during this period. To prevent the spread, people are advised to wash their hands regularly with hot, soapy water, and launder clothes and bedding at 60C.

Typically, symptoms manifest within one to two days after infection, and while norovirus can often be managed at home, the NHS recommends resting and staying hydrated as the most crucial steps for recovery.

You're advised to dial 111 if you have concerns about an infant under one year old, if your child ceases breast or bottle feeding during their illness, if a child under five exhibits signs of dehydration, if you or your child continue to show symptoms of dehydration despite using oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child persistently vomit and are unable to retain fluids, if you or your child have diarrhoea with blood or bleeding from the bottom, and/or if you or your child experience diarrhoea for over seven days or vomiting for more than two days.

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