Britain is battling an outbreak of the winter vomiting bug norovirus that’s being fuelled by a new, highly transmissible form of the infection.
Over the past fortnight alone the number of cases rocketed by more than 40 per cent in England, reaching double the average for this time of year.
And with Covid, flu and the serious lung infection respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also on the rise, the norovirus spike has increased fears that emergency services and hospitals could become overwhelmed.
Symptoms of norovirus are particularly unpleasant, and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be especially severe in infants and the over-60s, who may end up in hospital.
Over the past fortnight alone the number of norovirus cases rocketed by more than 40 per cent in England, reaching double the average for this time of year
Last week, The Mail on Sunday’s GP columnist Dr Ellie Cannon wrote how worried she was about the outbreak. In response, we had many letters and emails from readers affected by it.
A 69-year-old women described suffering ‘the most aggressive diarrhoea and sickness’ after babysitting her granddaughter. Another talked about her 29-year-old son ‘being completely flattened’ by the virus.
Paul Pardon, 73, says he came down with the ‘unbearable’ virus after returning from holiday. ‘It came out of nowhere,’ says the former IT consultant from Reading. ‘I couldn’t move more than few yards from the toilet before having to run back again.
‘This went on for days. During that time I couldn’t eat all. I also had a terrible fever and was constantly shaking.’
Days later Paul’s wife Manju, 75, was struck down by even worse symptoms. ‘I was getting really worried as she was struggling to get out of bed and constantly vomiting,’ says Paul.
After being prescribed anti-sickness tablets, her symptoms eventually subsided, but they say they ‘have never experienced anything like it’.
So just how worried should you be about the outbreak of this ‘super’ norovirus? What can you do to escape the terrible infection – and is there any way to make the symptoms go away once you catch it? Our experts have the answers…
I’ve heard about the new ‘super’ strain of norovirus – do we need to be concerned?
A dose of norovirus has always been very unpleasant, although it is nowhere near as life-threatening as Covid or flu, experts say.
For most people its symptoms clear up after a few days. However, for some there can be more serious consequences.
Across the UK the bug usually leads to about 12,000 hospital admissions each year, with the elderly and children most at risk, often due to severe dehydration brought on by the loss of fluids.
About 80 people die as a result of norovirus every year. By comparison, the flu virus contributes to the deaths of around 25,000 people annually.
The new norovirus variant, nicknamed ‘Kawasaki’ after the Japanese city where it was first detected, does not trigger more severe symptoms than previous outbreaks, but it is thought to be far more infectious.
NHS data suggests that about 70 per cent of all norovirus infections are now due to Kawasaki.
The new norovirus variant, nicknamed ‘Kawasaki’ after the Japanese city where it was first detected, does not trigger more severe symptoms than previous outbreaks, but it is thought to be far more infectious
The biggest risk from catching it is dehydration, says Professor Paul Hunter, a virus expert at the University of East Anglia.
‘Excessive vomiting can increase the risk of severe dehydration, particularly in the elderly, so watch out for light-headedness and thirst.’
What can I do to avoid catching it?
The virus is spread through direct contact with someone infected or via contaminated food, drink or surfaces.
Those who are infected with norovirus ‘shed’ millions of viral particles in vomit and faeces, so even tiny traces on the hand can quickly pass it to others. Studies suggest the virus can float, meaning it can be inhaled.
This is why the infection spreads rapidly where people are living in close quarters – including care homes, hospital wards and even cruise ships.
Norovirus has a relatively short incubation period – it is roughly 48 hours from contracting the virus to when symptoms strike – and it can be passed on during this time.
Experts say the most effective way to limit exposure is to regularly wash your hands, as it has been detected in stool samples for up to eight weeks after the initial infection. It’s important to note that the virus is resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Instead, washing with water and soap will remove the vast majority of particles.
Although there is some evidence that the virus is airborne, experts do not recommend wearing masks.
‘If you are looking after a patient in close quarters it may be useful to wear a mask, but as the airborne spread is from particles in diarrhoea and vomiting general mask wearing would not be that helpful in stopping the spread of the virus,’ says Professor Catherine Noakes at the University of Leeds. ‘Ventilation in the bathroom is really important if someone in your household has been infected – make sure you have a working fan and I would advise you don’t use the toilet straight after them.’
Professor Mark Fielder, a virus expert at Kingston University, adds: ‘A good clean of all the surfaces in your house is critical, as the virus can live for a long time in this environment. I recommend a bleach-based product to further reduce the risk of infection.’
Professor Mark Fielder, a virus expert at Kingston University, recommends cleaning the surfaces in your home with a bleach-based product to reduce the risk of infection
Patients are advised, where possible, to self-isolate for a minimum of 48 hours or as long as it takes for the symptoms to stop. If someone infected is living with other people, experts say they should avoid close physical contact or sharing food.
‘This is a highly transmissible virus, so you need to be pretty strict when it comes to self-isolating,’ says Professor Fielder. ‘Stay indoors for at least two days, even if your symptoms get better. And do not go into work as it’s very likely you will pass it on.’
I’ve heard that children are more likely to carry norovirus – is it safe to see my grandchildren?
Schools are prone to norovirus outbreaks, as children tend not to wash their hands properly. Moreover, research shows children often experience only mild symptoms, so it can be hard to spot if they are infected.
Although young children are at high risk of spreading the virus, experts don’t say that you need to avoid seeing your grandchildren.
Prof Hunter says the risks of norovirus have to be weighed up against the downsides of isolation.
‘Yes, cases are high, but norovirus comes around every year and the vast majority of people never know about it,’ he says. ‘I have five grandchildren and I won’t be changing who I interact with or worrying about seeing them.
‘The only thing I might suggest is that older people not mix with children who have clear symptoms.’
However, he adds: ‘The risk does vary, increasing with age, and if you are in a care home, for example, so it is about being sensible with your decisions.’
I caught norovirus last year – does that mean I am now immune?
There is no cure for norovirus, or even a specific treatment. But you can mitigate the more unpleasant symptoms
Unfortunately, no. The reason the Kawasaki variant is proving so infectious is because barely anyone has had it before. This means there is no immunity in the general population, allowing it to quickly spread from person to person.
A similar phenomenon was seen during the Covid pandemic, with the arrival of each new variant leading to a surge in cases.
‘What we’re seeing now is a lack of immunity against the Kawasaki variant,’ says Prof Hunter. ‘So even if you suffered through a bad case of norovirus last year, you should still be wary of catching it again.’
What should I do once I have the virus?
There is no cure for norovirus, or even a specific treatment. But you can mitigate the more unpleasant symptoms.
The majority of people will not need to speak to a doctor about a norovirus infection.
In most cases, it will clear up on its own.
But the NHS does recommend taking paracetamol to help with the fever, aches and pains, getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of water.
Rehydration drinks, such as Dioralyte, which replace crucial salts as well as water, can be bought from a pharmacist.
Parents are advised to avoid giving fizzy drinks or fruit juice to children with norovirus, as this can make the diarrhoea worse.
Many patients also ask doctors for antibiotics, but these are ineffective against viruses. Patients with particularly severe projectile vomiting and diarrhoea can, however, get anti-sickness medicines from a GP.
‘If you are someone who has severe health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, we would see you as a high-risk patient and may prescribe you anti-sickness tablets,’ says Dr Dean Eggitt, a Doncaster-based GP.
‘We use these to help reduce vomiting, dehydration and overall risk of death. But if you are fit and healthy there is not really a need for these.’
Experts also warn against using the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkiller ibuprofen while infected with norovirus.
This is because, in dehydrated patients, the tablets can damage the kidneys and irritate the stomach lining. This can raise the risk of stomach bleeds and ulcers.
‘There is a real risk to taking ibuprofen when you have norovirus,’ says Dr Eggitt. ‘So stick to paracetamol and lots of fluids.’