Urgent ‘thriller virus’ warning issued as Brits informed ‘do not go to work or faculty’
While cases are finally beginning to stabilise after a period of unusually high transmission, experts warn that the virus is still posing a significant threat – particularly to the vulnerable
Stay inside(Image: Getty Images)
Health experts have issued an urgent warning for Brits to “stay at home” and avoid work and school as a highly contagious “mystery virus” continues to sweep across the UK.
Echoing pandemic-era advice, NHS officials and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are urging the public to take strict precautions against the nasty bug. Referred to in many countries as a “mystery virus,” the illness has been identified as norovirus, the most common infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in the UK.
While cases are finally beginning to stabilise after a period of unusually high transmission, experts warn that the virus is still posing a significant threat – particularly to the vulnerable.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, stressed the importance of isolating to prevent further spread. “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either,” she advised. “If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable.”
The virus often strikes suddenly, as primary symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea, but infected individuals may also experience a high temperature, headaches, stomach pain, and aching limbs. While most people recover within two to three days, the bug can leave some patients feeling severely fatigued for up to a week. The highly contagious nature of the virus has already led to disruptions, with a ward at West Suffolk Hospital recently being forced to close due to a spike in cases.
Health officials have also been forced to debunk a major misconception regarding how to stay safe: hand sanitizer does not work against the bug.
“We can all take simple steps to help stop infections spreading, such as washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces,” Douglas explained. “Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”
The NHS has reiterated the advice, taking to social media to tell the public: “Norovirus is going around right now. The virus can spread very easily. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. If you catch norovirus, stay at home and rest.”
While the worst of the surge may be levelling off, the UKHSA warns that hospitals are still bearing the brunt of the infections.
“While norovirus cases remain high, they are now at expected levels for this time of year,” Douglas added. “We continue to see many outbreaks in hospital settings and the highest number of cases among older people.”
For those who do fall ill, the NHS advises treating the virus at home and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
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