Health officials are sounding the alarm as a highly contagious winter vomiting bug sweeps across the UK, with hospital admissions seeing a sharp and worrying rise.
Sharp Spike in Norovirus Cases
NHS data reveals a 57% increase in people hospitalised with norovirus in just one week. Last week, an average of 567 hospital beds were occupied each day by patients suffering from severe diarrhoea and vomiting. While current numbers remain below the peak of last winter's outbreak, the steep weekly climb has sparked significant concern among health professionals.
The recent surge is believed to be linked to children returning to classrooms and increased indoor mixing following the Christmas holidays. Public concern is also evident, with Google Trends reporting a staggering 5,500% increase in searches for "how to know if you have norovirus" over the past seven days.
Why Norovirus is So Stubborn and Contagious
Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, warns that the public may be underestimating the bug's tenacity. "Norovirus spreads much more easily than many people think," he stated. "It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days."
Murphy emphasises that while there is no cure, a focused approach can manage symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading through households. "People often think of norovirus as a quick 'in and out' bug, but it's incredibly stubborn and easy to pass on," he added.
Five Key Strategies to Stop the Spread
Pharmacists advise moving beyond basic hygiene to adopt more targeted infection-control measures, mirroring practices used in hospitals.
1. Treat it like a resistant infection: Norovirus is a 'non-enveloped virus', making it resistant to common alcohol hand gels and many cleaners. Soap and warm water are essential for physically removing it from hands, while bleach is needed to chemically inactivate it on surfaces.
2. Choose cleaning products like medicine: Look for disinfectants specifically labelled 'virucidal' or 'effective against non-enveloped viruses'. Products without this claim are unlikely to work against norovirus.
3. Use the correct 'dose' of bleach: Bleach must be diluted properly according to instructions. An overly weak solution won't kill the virus, while one that's too strong can irritate lungs and skin. Always ensure good ventilation when using bleach.
4. Treat vomiting as an exposure event: In healthcare settings, vomiting is treated as a source of airborne contamination. Clean a wide area beyond the visible mess, ventilate the room thoroughly, and assume nearby soft furnishings may be contaminated.
5. Isolate like a mini ward: If possible, designate one bathroom, one set of towels, and one bin for the infected person. This strict isolation significantly reduces the virus's opportunity to spread to other household members.
How to Manage Symptoms and Recover
When infection occurs, the primary goal is supportive care while the body fights the virus.
Rehydration is critical: The biggest medical risk with norovirus is dehydration. Electrolyte solutions are superior to plain water as they replace lost salts and fluids. Take small, frequent sips every 5-10 minutes rather than large drinks, which can trigger more vomiting.
Careful use of medicines: Once you can keep fluids down, paracetamol is the safest option for fever, headaches, and aches. Avoid ibuprofen if dehydrated, as it can strain kidneys. Anti-diarrhoea medicines like loperamide should be used cautiously, as diarrhoea helps clear the virus. They are not recommended for children or those with fever or bloody stool.
Diet and rest: When appetite returns, start with bland foods like toast, crackers, bananas, and rice. Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods. Remember, rest is a crucial part of treatment, allowing your immune system to work effectively.
For severe nausea, a pharmacist can advise on anti-sickness (anti-emetic) options. The NHS advises calling 111 if you or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days.
