UKHSA says 'stay home' if you have any of these symptoms
The virus 'is able to spread easily'
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert as cases of a nasty bug are spreading at "higher levels than usual this spring". People are being urged to stay off work or school and to avoid care homes and hospitals for 48 hours after symptoms clear - in a bid to stop the spread.
UKHSA said on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "Vomiting or diarrhoea in spring? It could still be #Norovirus. Despite being known as the "winter vomiting bug", norovirus can spread all year round, and we're seeing higher than usual levels this spring. Find out what to do to stop the spread."
Information provided in an accompanying link further explains that norovirus "is able to spread easily through communities and so outbreaks are common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries."
Most people's symptoms start between 12 and 48 hours after they caught the virus, and people are most infectious while symptomatic. However it is possible to "shed" the virus, by contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before and after experiencing symptoms.
It is therefore important to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with warm water and soap, and to avoid preparing food for others. UKHSA also reminds people that alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against norovirus.
Common symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, and/or vomiting, and some sufferers may also experience headaches, fever, and ache in their arms or legs. Any contaminated clothing or bedding should be washed at 60C.
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