What is norovirus as cases increase rapidly with the new Kawasaki variant?

norovirus Activity continues to spread across the UK as cases have risen by 16 per cent in just two weeks.

The latest data shows there were 447 laboratory-confirmed cases in the last two weeks of October; this is 16 percent more than in the previous two weeks. Hospitalized norovirus cases are 26 percent higher than the five-year norm.

Only laboratory-confirmed cases are included in the figures; Many more people may have been infected with the virus but have not been tested.

According to the United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), 70 percent norovirus cases variation GII.17, commonly It was called the ‘Kawasaki’ type.

To prevent the spread of the virus, patients with norovirus are admitted to separate rooms in hospitals.

Gauri Godbole, UKHSA Deputy Director of Gastrointestinal Infections, said: “If you have diarrhea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and do not prepare food for anyone else during this time.

“If you are feeling unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent transmission of infection in these settings.”

Here’s everything we know about it including transmission, symptoms, and treatment of norovirus.

The norovirus bug causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines, stopping the absorption of fluids from the intestinal lining cells. However, unlike salmonella, these cells are not killed, so recovery time is faster.

The contagious virus can appear at any time and usually lasts one to three days, but it is most common for most people to contract this virus from November to April.

It affects millions of people worldwide, and symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

What are the symptoms of norovirus?

according to NHSThe main symptoms of norovirus are nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. You may also suffer from fever of 39°C or higher, headache and limb pain.

Symptoms usually begin suddenly within one to two days of being infected.

How is norovirus transmitted?

The virus can only be transmitted if particles in vomit or feces are passed and swallowed.

This can happen in various ways. For example, you can catch it by eating contaminated food or drinking liquids. Alternatively, you can touch contaminated surfaces or objects and then bring them near your mouth or touch your face.

How long does the incubation period last?

The incubation period in humans usually lasts between 12 and 48 hours. The symptoms appear very suddenly but usually last only two to three days before the error disappears.

How can I prevent catching norovirus?

Hygiene is the top priority to easily prevent infection. virus.

The easiest thing is to make sure you practice proper hand hygiene, especially after using public transportation, using the bathroom, or before handling or preparing food.

When preparing food, all fresh produce should be washed thoroughly and all surfaces wiped and disinfected before cooking.

It is highly contagious, so use bleach-based household cleaners and handle clothing with plastic gloves when cleaning contaminated surfaces. Wash these clothes separately on high heat to kill germs.

How is norovirus treated?

Antibiotics do not work on norovirus, but you can take painkillers to combat the aches and pains you feel.

The best thing you can do is drink plenty of fluids containing electrolytes to balance the salts in your body and stay hydrated.

Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat plain foods such as bread and rice.

If you have diarrhea that lasts more than a week or continues to vomit after two days, is bleeding from the bottom, shows signs of dehydration, or if the patient is an infant under 12 months old, you should call 911.

If your vomit is red, dark brown or green, if your neck feels stiff and hurts when exposed to bright lights, or if you experience sudden and severe headaches or stomach aches, you are advised to call or go to 999. To A&E.

check out NHS guidelines For more details about treatments.

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