People have been warned about a bug that’s on the rise in the UK, as cases can make people housebound.
The urgent health warning has been issued by many NHS hospitals around the nation, with people being told to stay home and manage their symptoms as staff have been struggling under the increase in flu patients.
For 48 hours, they have to stay home and wait for the nasty symptoms to pass, because if not, they can risk spreading it to others and those who may be vulnerable to complications or severe symptoms.
Per the Daily Express, laboratory data has indicated that there has been a sharp rise in cases in the first two weeks of January, seeing around 47 percent more cases than compared to December of last year.
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The illness in question, is norovirus, aka, the winter bug, or vomiting bug.
According to the NHS, ‘is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea’ and ‘it can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days’. Because of the cases, and symptoms, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called the illness ‘unpleasant for everyone’, as it is being seen most in elderly individuals.
With symptoms such a vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pains, body aches, and a fever, it’s not pleasant to catch.
In a post on X, the UKHSA revealed what you should do if you get the virus, stating: "Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, like norovirus, are unpleasant for everyone. If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread."
The UKHSA wrote: "Stay at home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear."
It suggests people do things that include regular hand-washing with warm water and soap or bleach-based cleaning products, as alcohol gels do not work on norovirus.
The NHS says to stay at home and get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, continue to feed your baby as usual if they are sick, give babies small sips of water between feeds, and use painkillers like paracetamol
The NHS states: "Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They're often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days. The advice is the same if you have diarrhoea and vomiting together or separately... Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
"If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better,” it adds.
Britt Jones