Latest news with #AndreaPiacquadio
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
Edinburgh Reporter
14-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Acas finds what makes Scots workers angry
Colleagues not doing their jobs properly, staff taking credit for other peoples' work and over-demanding bosses are the things most likely to make Scots employees angry according to figures just released. The poll, commissioned by workplace relations experts Acas, asked employees to consider what three things made them the most angry in the workplace. Half (50%) of Scots who took part cited people perceived not to be doing their job properly, while 43% pointed at others claiming credit for their work. An over-demanding boss (41%), having too much work to do (38%) and rude customers or staff (34%) made up the top five things that made employees' blood boil. Over a quarter of Scots (26%) cited 'feeling excluded by others at work' and around one in six (16%) pointed to a lack of training or an induction. The YouGov poll, conducted between March 27 and April 1, also found that 1% included being angered by fellow staff voicing opinions opposite to their own. Stewart Gee, Acas' Head of Individual Dispute Resolution, said: 'It's clear from our poll that there's a range of issues that make people angry at work. 'Anger over a lack of recognition, rudeness, their boss or a colleague seen as not pulling their weight can impact productivity and escalate to conflict if left unresolved. 'It is important for workplace conflict to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.' According to Acas, conflict at work is estimated to cost UK organisations £30 billion each year. They say dealing with conflict positively and quickly can build trust and improve relationships. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Like this: Like Related
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.
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
How to tell the difference between hay fever and Covid as cases rise
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Covid symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for hay fever 🤧 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... An estimated 10 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever. Spring and summer are the most common seasons to experience hay fever symptoms. With Covid cases on the rise, this is how you can tell the difference between the two. Summer is finally on the horizon, with warm weather forecasted across the UK this week, however, for hay fever suffers this is the season where they are most commonly impacted by symptoms. From sneezes, to itchy eyes and sore throats, an estimated 10 million people in the UK live with hay fever. Unseasonably warm springs and dry summers can lead to plants having a stronger, longer growing season, which means symptoms for hay fever sufferers can linger longer. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Combined with the recent rise in cases of Covid following the new variant, LP.8.1, it can be hard to work out whether the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by a seasonal allergy or something more sinister. Here's how to tell the difference between Covid and hay fever. With cases on the rise, this is how to tell the difference between hay fever and Covid symptoms. | Pexels, Andrea Piacquadio What is the new Covid variant? The newest Covid variant LP.8.1, was first detected in July 2024. It originates from the Omicron variant, which saw cases spike in 2023 and 2024. LP.8.1 is currently the most prevalent variant being recorded in Covid samples in the UK according to latest data from the UKHSA, with cases in the seven days up to April 16 increasing by 4.1%. What are the symptoms of Covid? Covid symptoms are similar to that of a cold or a flu. The NHS explain that symptoms of Covid can include: a high temperature or shivering a new, continuous cough a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath fatigue body aches a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick What are the symptoms of hay fever? Symptoms of hay fever are usually worse between late March to September, when pollen count is at its highest. Unlike a cold or flu, symptoms can last for weeks or even months. The NHS explain that symptoms of hay fever can include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad sneezing and coughing a runny or blocked nose itchy, red or watery eyes itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears loss of smell pain around the sides of your head and your forehead headache feeling tired How to tell the difference between Covid and hay fever? Whilst symptoms of Covid and hay fever can overlap there are some key differences. Hay fever symptoms can last for weeks or months at a time and are unlikely to include a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. If you suspect you may have Covid, you can take a lateral flow test to rule this out, tests are available to purchase at your local pharmacy, supermarket or online, if you meet certain criteria, you may also qualify for free Covid tests. Who is eligible for a Covid booster? The Covid spring booster programme is currently underway, with vaccines being rolled out across the UK until June 17. Urging those who are eligible to come forward, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's National Medical Director, said: 'It is important we remember Covid-19 is just not just a winter illness and even in spring and summer it remains dangerous for those most at risk, such as older adults, care home residents and those who are immunosuppressed.' To be eligible you must: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad be aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by June 17, 2025) be aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment live in a care home for older adults The Covid booster provides vital protection against different Covid variants and helps reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid, as well as avoiding the risk of ending up in hospital if you become unwell. You can find out more about Covid, if you are eligible for the Covid vaccine and how to book an appointment at
