Symptoms are extremely unpleasant
People are being urged to stay at home for 48 hours(Image: Getty)
People are being urged to “stay home for 48 hours” if they experience certain symptoms, as a nasty virus is “spreading easily”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has posted a new alert over a bug that isn’t flu or Covid.
In the post on X, formerly Twitter, UKHSA said: “Norovirus spreads easily, so if you catch it you should stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop.” The agency further advised: “Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water can help you stop catching it and passing it on if you do get sick.
“If you catch norovirus don’t go to work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as you can still pass it on during this time. Do not visit loved ones in hospital or care homes in this time to avoid causing outbreaks.”
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Norovirus is a highly infectious bug, but there are measures you can take to safeguard yourself and your loved ones if the nasty virus invades your home. The NHS warns that norovirus can spread quickly through close contact with an infected individual, or by touching surfaces or objects that have been contaminated, followed by touching your mouth.
Food that’s been prepared or handled by someone who’s under the weather can also become a hotbed for the virus. And unlike with other illnesses, alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus.
Norovirus can typically be managed at home by ensuring the patient gets plenty of rest and stays hydrated to prevent dehydration. People usually start to recover within two to three days.
However, if your vomit starts resembling ground coffee, contains blood, or takes on a green or yellow-green hue, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help.