What is winter vomiting bug - and how do you avoid getting it?

Norovirus – also known as winter vomiting bug – is one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK, and the among the most spectacular.

Sudden projectile vomiting is common, as is diarrhoea, stomach cramps and aching limbs, and there’s no cure.

It tends to be more common during the winter months, although you can catch it at any time.

It can spread extremely rapidly in public places like schools and hospitals.

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This week, The Manor hospital in Walsall shut three wards to keep the patients under quarantine, according to Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.

Here’s what you need to know to avoid catching norovirus – and what to do if you succumb this winter.

What causes norovirus?

Norovirus is a stomach bug which causes sudden nausea, projectile vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

It’s caused by a virus, so antibiotics won’t help.

Nick Phin, National Infection Service deputy director at Public Health England says, ‘Norovirus can be unpleasant and is easily passed on to those around you.

‘Most people get over it within a day or two, but in the very young, elderly and those who have weakened immune systems it can last longer.

How you catch it

Even if you’ve previously had norovirus, you can still catch it again as the virus which causes it keeps changing.

It’s extremely infectious, transmitted by small particles of vomit or poo on people’s hands, and spreads rapidly in public places.

People who’ve had it can be infectious for up to three days afterwards.

Hygiene and hydration are key

The NHS says that it’s transmitted through touching contaminated surfaces or food contaminated by someone with the virus.

It’s also transmitted by close contact with someone with norovirus: they can breathe out small particles containing the virus that you could inhale.

The symptoms

Norovirus is recognisable due to the rapid onset of violent vomiting and diarrhoea, often at the same time.

Some people have a slight fever and aches and pains.

The symptoms normally go away after a day or two: if they don’t, you should contact your GP.

What to do if you get norovirus

There’s no cure for norovirus, and antibiotics won’t help. Instead, you’re best off focusing on staying hydrated, and resting at home.

The NHS says, ‘You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – as well as water, adults could also try fruit juice and soup.

Once you feel like eating again, the NHS suggests plain foods such as soup, rice, pasta and bread.

Rehydration drinks such as Lucozade sport can also help.

How to avoid spreading norovirus

If you get norovirus, you should ensure you’re fully recovered before returning to work or school – and ideally leave at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed.

If you’ve had it, wash hands frequently, and don’t rely on alcohol gels as they don’t kill the virus.

Disinfect surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner, don’t share towels, and wash any bedding you’ve used.