PHE says rise in norovirus expected

December has seen a rise in the number of cases of the vomiting bug norovirus, but Public Health England (PHE) have claimed this is not unexpected.

Norovirus is a short lived infection causing diarrhoea and vomiting and is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. It is transmitted by contact with hands or surfaces that the virus has landed on from an infected person.

Highly contagious and easily spread in settings where people are in close contact with one another, cases of patients with the bug usually grows in the winter months.

PHE have reassured that the increase in cases of norovirus that we are seeing at the moment is common for this time of year and is so far not unexpected compared with the previous five years.

Nick Phin, National Infection Service Deputy Director, PHE said: “Cases of this infection are beginning to increase, although they are still at levels that we would expect to see around this time of year, which is traditionally the norovirus winter vomiting season.

“Most people will make a full recovery within one to two days but it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time to prevent dehydration, especially in the very young or elderly. If people have diarrhea and vomiting they should not prepare food for others and we advise that they should avoid visiting GP surgeries, care homes and hospitals if they have symptoms. If anyone is concerned they should contact NHS 111 or talk to their GP by phone.

“One of the best ways to protect against norovirus and to help prevent infection is by practising good hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing after using the toilet and before eating or preparing foods.”