Cases of a highly contagious winter bug which causes vomiting and diarrhoea could ‘skyrocket’ in the UK, an expert has warned.
Norovirus is a “particularly unpleasant” viral disease that affects thousands of Brits every winter. Around 685million cases are reported globally, along with 200,000 deaths.
Fortunately, norovirus-related fatalities in the UK are rare, and most people who contract the disease will make a full recovery without treatment. However, people who have contracted the illness have described it has “harrowing”, with some reporting it made them feel “worse than they’ve ever felt.”
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
This year, the infection appears to be more common in the UK, with the expected seasonal rise in cases having arrived earlier than normal. NHS data shows infections increased by 29% between September 23 and October 6 – twice the typical rate for that time of year.
Now, Dr Gareth Nye of the University of Chester has issued a harrowing prediction for this year. He told the Daily Star: “It is my belief that cases will sky rocket due in part to pressures on parents to keep children in school due to attendance monitoring and parents relying on income through cost of living crisis.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Children and older people, as well as people with conditions which make them more poorly are the most adversely effected. This may include conditions like type 1 diabetes or people with compromised immune systems.”
Dr Nye explained the disease spreads “via the faecal oral route, meaning the virus must pass from your poo to your mouth or food.” He added: “This is why children are so commonly impacted during their toilet training phase, although a shockingly low percentage of the UK population admit to washing their hands after going to the toilet every time (around 75%).”
These faecal particles can then make their way onto kitchen surfaces, door handles or even onto food during meal prep, he explained. Once infected, it takes about 12 to 48 hours for symptoms to appear.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
And while it might be tempting to get the hand sanitiser out in a pinch, Dr Nye explained this will do little to guard against norovirus. “If they are targets bacteria or are alcohol-based, they will not break down the virus as it is a different structure to viruses like the cold or flu virus,” he said.
If you are unlucky enough to become sick, there’s one painkiller you should never take, especially as norovirus can cause dehydration. “Ibuprofen should be avoided as it increases the risk of damage to the stomach and kidneys in patients who are dehydrated,” Nye explained. “It can lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding.”