Norovirus is probably the virus we all dread the most when it comes to the winter months.
More commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, up to one million of us catch it each year – and it’s highly contagious.
It is a gruelling bug, which causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or cramps, low-level fever and muscle pain.
It is actually an all-year round bug, but it becomes especially prevalent in winter due to everyone being crowded indoors, making it easier for the virus to be passed on.
Although it normally only lasts for a couple of days, it can spread rapidly through schools and workplaces, and has resulted in ward closures in hospitals.
Here is everything you need to know.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is one of our most common stomach bugs and can be very unpleasant. The symptoms are caused by inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
Nicola Williams, a Castleford, West Yorks GP, says: “Although Norovirus is commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, you can catch it any time of the year and it affects all ages. It can quickly floor you and it will be a few days before you start to feel better.”
What are the symptoms?
Dr Williams explains: “Usually, patients will suddenly start to feel sick followed by vomiting, which can be projectile, and watery, loose diarrhoea. Some people have stomach cramps, aches and pains, headaches and fever. There is no cure, so let it run its course, which is usually two or three days.”
Signs and symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after the initial exposure to the virus and you will continue to shed virus in your feces for up to two weeks after recovery.
This shedding can last for months if you have an underlying healthy condition.
It is possible to have the norovirus but not show any signs or symptoms. However, despite this, you will still be contagious and will spread the virus to others.
Is it contagious?
Norovirus is extremely contageous. It is passed on when tiny particle of faeces or vomit from an infected person gets into someone else’s mouth.
Dr Williams says: “It is extremely contagious and outbreaks are more likely to occur in places where people are living more closely together, for example nursing homes and cruise ships. You are most infectious from the time symptoms begin until 48 hours after they pass.”
How can I avoid it?
It is not always possible to avoid catching Norovirus, says Dr Williams, but the most important thing in prevention is washing your hands well with soap and water.
She says: “Don’t rely on hand gels because they don’t kill the virus. Washing your hands properly should take about 20 seconds, as long as singing Happy Birthday twice. If someone in your family has the virus, be extra careful with washing hands.”
How is it spread?
You can catch the virus by coming into contact with someone who has it, or by eating food or touching surfaces which are contaminated.
Dr Williams says: “Bleach all contaminated surfaces, such as door handles, and use a separate flannel and towel for drying. Wash bedding and towels separately on a hot wash. Avoid eating raw or unwashed foods and oysters as they can carry norovirus.”
How long is the incubation period?
You are most likely to catch it 12 to 48 hours after coming into contact with the virus. You can get it more than once because it is constantly changing so we cannot build any long-term resistance.
How long does it take to recover?
Symptoms last one to three days and usually clear up on their own.
Dr Williams says: “If you feel like eating, keep it plain with soup, rice pasta and bread. Fizzy drinks can make diarrhoea worse.
Babies should be given their usual milk feeds to prevent dehydration. Get plenty of rest and you should soon start to feel better.”
Does it only come in winter?
Norovirus can happen at any time, but outbreaks are more common in colder weather. Germs live longer outside the body in winter, so they spread more easily.
Dr Williams says: “Colder, damp weather forces us inside, which means we’re in closer contact, so the virus can move around quicker.”
How do I treat it?
Dr Williams says: “There is no cure, so it’s best to let it run its course, and get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. Wee should be light coloured or clear.
“Take paracetamol for headaches or aching symptoms, but stick to the recommended doses.”
How can I make sure I don’t spread it to others?
If you have the virus and want to avoid dragging others into your misery and pain, these are the things to do:
- Avoid direct contact with people until 48 hours after your symptoms have gone.
- Clean your toilet and make sure any faeces and vomit have been properly flushed away.
- Any areas that might be contaminated, such as the bathroom and kitchen, should be cleaned with a bleach-based household product.
- Any contaminated clothing or bedding should be washed separately from uncontaminated items, and use a hot wash.
- Avoid visiting the hospital.
Is it life threatening?
Although norovirus is very unpleasant, it is usually harmless. Be careful not to become severely dehydrated, which can be dangerous to babies, the elderly and those with a weakened immune system or kidney disease.
Should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms last more than a few days or you already have a serious illness, get advice by phoning your GP. Avoid attending surgery or A&E as you can spread the virus to vulnerable patients.
Dr Williams says: “If you have severe vomiting, bloody stools or dehydration get medical help. Symptoms of severe dehydration include a fast heartbeat, dizziness and passing small amounts of dark urine, or no urine at all, or being drowsy or unresponsive.
“If a baby or child is less responsive, feverish, or has pale or mottled skin, or if they are not drinking much and have drier nappies than usual, get help.”
How long am I contagious?
People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they start feeling ill until at least three days after symptoms stopped.
Some people may be contagious for up to two weeks, so good hand washing is crucial.
When can I go back to work?
Dr Williams explains: “It’s very important to stay off work and keep children off school or nursery for 48 hours after symptoms stop to avoid passing the virus on.”
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