Latest news with #AmyDouglas
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Norovirus: What you need to know about GII.4 strain as cases rise
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Some hospitals have decided to restrict visitors amid the outbreak 🤢 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of norovirus are more than double the five-season average for the same four week period. Some hospitals across the UK are deciding to restrict visitors in a bid to curb the outbreak. The UK Health and Security Agency have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. The two dominant strains of norovirus in the UK are GII.17 and GII.4. Hospitals are warning anyone who has norovirus symptoms to stay at home. Norovirus cases have continued to increase across the UK, with the number of outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) during weeks 14 to 17 nearly double (43.3%) the five-season average. This has lead to some hospitals, including Southport Hospital and Bedford Hospital in Fort William bringing in visitor restrictions and urging that those with symptoms 'do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency', in a bid to curb the outbreak. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. As the dominant strain of norovirus infections has changed from GII.17 to GII.4. Hospitals in some areas of the UK have been restricting visitors over a rise in the cases of norovirus. | Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes.' What is norovirus? Norovirus, is a stomach bug which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also known as the winter vomiting bug, however despite this name you can get norovirus at any time of the year. What is norovirus Gll.4? The two most common strains that are causing norovirus infections in the UK are Gll.4 and Gll.17. During the 2024/2025 season to date, Gll.17 was the most frequently identified strain, making up 51.1% of cases, whilst GII.4 is now made up 29.8% of cases, rising sharply from just 10%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This means that people who have previously had norovirus may be susceptible to catching it again as having one strain of norovirus does not fully protect you against the other. What are the symptoms of norovirus? Despite the different strains, the symptoms of norovirus remain the same, common symptoms include: nausea and vomiting diarrhoea high temperature abdominal pain aching limbs Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms, which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms should drink plenty of fluids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How long is the norovirus incubation period? Norovirus has a quick incubation period, with those who have been exposed to the virus typically becoming unwell within 12 to 48 hours. Is norovirus contagious? Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread between people. You can catch norovirus from close contact with someone who has it, touching surfaces or objects that have norovirus on them and then touching your mouth or eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. How can you prevent norovirus? To help prevent catching norovirus wash your hands with soap and warm water, alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus and cannot offer you protection. If someone in your home has norovirus wash any contaminated clothing and bed linen at 60°C, remember to wear disposable gloves to prevent catching the virus and use bleach-based household cleaners to help disinfect surfaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When can you return to work after norovirus? If you have norovirus you should stay off school or work until you have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least two days to prevent spreading the virus. You also should not visit others in hospitals or care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days, as this will help prevent you from spreading the virus to those who are more vulnerable. You can find out more about norovirus signs and how to ease symptoms at
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Norovirus: What you need to know about GII.4 strain as cases rise
Some hospitals have decided to restrict visitors amid the outbreak 🤢 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of norovirus are more than double the five-season average for the same four week period. Some hospitals across the UK are deciding to restrict visitors in a bid to curb the outbreak. The UK Health and Security Agency have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. The two dominant strains of norovirus in the UK are GII.17 and GII.4. Hospitals are warning anyone who has norovirus symptoms to stay at home. Norovirus cases have continued to increase across the UK, with the number of outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) during weeks 14 to 17 nearly double (43.3%) the five-season average. This has lead to some hospitals, including Southport Hospital and Bedford Hospital in Fort William bringing in visitor restrictions and urging that those with symptoms 'do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency', in a bid to curb the outbreak. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. As the dominant strain of norovirus infections has changed from GII.17 to GII.4. Hospitals in some areas of the UK have been restricting visitors over a rise in the cases of norovirus. | Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes.' What is norovirus? Norovirus, is a stomach bug which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also known as the winter vomiting bug, however despite this name you can get norovirus at any time of the year. What is norovirus Gll.4? The two most common strains that are causing norovirus infections in the UK are Gll.4 and Gll.17. During the 2024/2025 season to date, Gll.17 was the most frequently identified strain, making up 51.1% of cases, whilst GII.4 is now made up 29.8% of cases, rising sharply from just 10%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This means that people who have previously had norovirus may be susceptible to catching it again as having one strain of norovirus does not fully protect you against the other. What are the symptoms of norovirus? Despite the different strains, the symptoms of norovirus remain the same, common symptoms include: nausea and vomiting diarrhoea high temperature abdominal pain aching limbs Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms, which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms should drink plenty of fluids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How long is the norovirus incubation period? Norovirus has a quick incubation period, with those who have been exposed to the virus typically becoming unwell within 12 to 48 hours. Is norovirus contagious? Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread between people. You can catch norovirus from close contact with someone who has it, touching surfaces or objects that have norovirus on them and then touching your mouth or eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. How can you prevent norovirus? To help prevent catching norovirus wash your hands with soap and warm water, alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus and cannot offer you protection. If someone in your home has norovirus wash any contaminated clothing and bed linen at 60°C, remember to wear disposable gloves to prevent catching the virus and use bleach-based household cleaners to help disinfect surfaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When can you return to work after norovirus? If you have norovirus you should stay off school or work until you have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least two days to prevent spreading the virus. You also should not visit others in hospitals or care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days, as this will help prevent you from spreading the virus to those who are more vulnerable.
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Norovirus: What you need to know about GII.4 strain as cases rise
Some hospitals have decided to restrict visitors amid the outbreak 🤢 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cases of norovirus are more than double the five-season average for the same four week period. Some hospitals across the UK are deciding to restrict visitors in a bid to curb the outbreak. The UK Health and Security Agency have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. The two dominant strains of norovirus in the UK are GII.17 and GII.4. Hospitals are warning anyone who has norovirus symptoms to stay at home. Norovirus cases have continued to increase across the UK, with the number of outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) during weeks 14 to 17 nearly double (43.3%) the five-season average. This has lead to some hospitals, including Southport Hospital and Bedford Hospital in Fort William bringing in visitor restrictions and urging that those with symptoms 'do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency', in a bid to curb the outbreak. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) have warned of a potential second wave, with those who had norovirus during winter potentially at risk again. As the dominant strain of norovirus infections has changed from GII.17 to GII.4. Hospitals in some areas of the UK have been restricting visitors over a rise in the cases of norovirus. | Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season. We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes.' What is norovirus? Norovirus, is a stomach bug which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. It is also known as the winter vomiting bug, however despite this name you can get norovirus at any time of the year. What is norovirus Gll.4? The two most common strains that are causing norovirus infections in the UK are Gll.4 and Gll.17. During the 2024/2025 season to date, Gll.17 was the most frequently identified strain, making up 51.1% of cases, whilst GII.4 is now made up 29.8% of cases, rising sharply from just 10%. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This means that people who have previously had norovirus may be susceptible to catching it again as having one strain of norovirus does not fully protect you against the other. What are the symptoms of norovirus? Despite the different strains, the symptoms of norovirus remain the same, common symptoms include: nausea and vomiting diarrhoea high temperature abdominal pain aching limbs Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe symptoms, which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms should drink plenty of fluids. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad How long is the norovirus incubation period? Norovirus has a quick incubation period, with those who have been exposed to the virus typically becoming unwell within 12 to 48 hours. Is norovirus contagious? Norovirus is highly contagious and can easily spread between people. You can catch norovirus from close contact with someone who has it, touching surfaces or objects that have norovirus on them and then touching your mouth or eating food that has been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus. How can you prevent norovirus? To help prevent catching norovirus wash your hands with soap and warm water, alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus and cannot offer you protection. If someone in your home has norovirus wash any contaminated clothing and bed linen at 60°C, remember to wear disposable gloves to prevent catching the virus and use bleach-based household cleaners to help disinfect surfaces. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When can you return to work after norovirus? If you have norovirus you should stay off school or work until you have not vomited or had diarrhoea for at least two days to prevent spreading the virus. You also should not visit others in hospitals or care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days, as this will help prevent you from spreading the virus to those who are more vulnerable.
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Southport Hospital restricts visitors as norovirus cases rise
A hospital has introduced strict visiting restrictions to halt the spread of norovirus after a rise in cases of the at Southport Hospital are being restricted to one visitor per day although this will not apply to people receiving end-of-life care. People attending outpatient appointments are asked if they can attend on their own if Barnes, acting director of nursing, midwifery and governance said: "While we recognise how important visitors are to the overall wellbeing of our patients, we must stop the spread of this virus in our hospitals to protect our vulnerable patients and staff." She added: "We are continuing to see high numbers of norovirus cases in our hospital setting and people are continuing to visit the hospital with norovirus symptoms."The restrictions also apply to ward G in Ormskirk hospital also said: "We are asking that if you are feeling unwell or experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea you do not attend the hospital unless it is a medical emergency."Known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is highly contagious with symptoms including sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain, often accompanied by a mild temperature or body Douglas, lead epidemiologist at The UK Health Safety Agency, said nationally "norovirus activity has remained high but has started to decrease in recent weeks, as we enter warmer months". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230
The Guardian
27-02-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
UK health security chiefs warn of second wave of norovirus
The UK could be facing a second wave of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus, the UK Health Security Agency has warned. The latest figures show a rise in norovirus across the UK, with reported cases at the highest level in more than a decade. A shift in circulating strains means that those who have already been ill with norovirus this winter are at risk of catching it again. Amy Douglas, a lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high, and now with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could end up getting infected more than once this season.' Laboratory-confirmed cases in the two weeks from 3 to 16 February were 29% higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average (168%) for the same two-week period, the latest UKHSA data shows. This puts the prevalence at the highest level since the agency began reporting data this way in 2014. The impact is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over. Douglas said: 'We are seeing the biggest impacts in health and social care settings, such as hospitals and care homes. Symptoms of norovirus can be more severe in older adults, young children and those who are immunocompromised.' The latest data also shows a shift in circulating strains. Cases of a strain known as GII.4, which has dominated in previous years, have sharply risen, now representing 29% of cases compared with just 10% three months ago. So far this year the recently emerged GII.17 strain has dominated, but now accounts for 59% of cases, down from 76% of cases in November. Common symptoms of norovirus include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, stomach pains and aching limbs. Some people, particularly young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, are more likely to develop severe symptoms which can cause dehydration. Anyone with these symptoms is advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid this. Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion UKHSA advises anyone with norovirus symptoms not to visit hospitals and care homes or return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and not to prepare food for others during this time period. Cases usually start to decline around this time of year as the weather gets warmer and people spend less time indoors, but UKHSA said it is too soon to judge whether or not norovirus has peaked this season. UKHSA experts estimate that reported cases represent only a small fraction of actual infections. For every case reported to national surveillance, approximately 288 cases occur in the community, suggesting about 3m cases annually in the UK.
