The NHS has issued an urgent warning to Brits amid a surge in norovirus cases, with the health service urging people to “stay home” if they catch the dreaded winter vomiting bug
The NHS is blasting out warnings for people to “stay home” if they’re unlucky enough to cop the norovirus, with bedlam hitting the wards as this winter puking pestilence soars to peak levels.
Worryingly, it’s come to light that by the start of December, a hefty number of adult hospital beds were put out of action thanks to outbreaks causing queasy chaos, and the top tip is to give hospitals and GP surgeries a wide berth if you’re showing the dreaded symptoms.
A no-nonsense message from the NHS on Twitter last Friday gives the lowdown: “Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. If you catch it; stay home, rest and have plenty of fluids.”
Looks like misery all round with nausea, bringing up your breakfast, and the trots as common signs of this nasty bug. Not only that, but you might also cop a fever, banging headaches, and muscle pain which sets in one or two days post-infection.
Swerve work
The powers-that-be are pushing people to dodge work or school until they’ve been free from hurling or rushing to the toilet for at least two full days – crucial to keep this vile virus in check. There’s serious chat as well about steering clear of the elderly and sick in hospitals and care homes, to stop things from getting even worse.
And here’s a pro tip from our health service: ditch the hand sanitiser and go old-school with soap and water to keep germs at bay, because, get this, the alcohol gels don’t touch the sides when it comes to the norovirus. For most, riding out the storm at home with loads of kip and fluids will sort you right out, reports the Mirror.
However, it’s crucial to dial 111 if you’re concerned about a baby under one year old, if your child ceases breastfeeding or bottle feeding during their illness, if a child under five exhibits signs of dehydration, if you or your child still display signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets, if you or your child persistently vomit and can’t retain fluids, if you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom, and/or if you or your child have had diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.