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Full list of warning signs as ‘distressing’ winter bug begins to spread in UK

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Full list of warning signs as ‘distressing’ winter bug begins to spread in UK

A highly contagious bug has been appearing across the country in recent weeks. Symptoms usually appear suddenly within one to two days; Here’s how to spot them.

09:02, 05 November 2024Updated: 09:56, 05 November 2024

There are a number of symptoms that may begin "Suddenly" after infection (stock image)
There are a number of symptoms that can appear “suddenly” after being infected (stock image)(Picture: Getty Images)

A “sad” kind of thing. Norovirus is sweeping the UK. As winter approaches, highly contagious “stomach flu” cases also emerge. The latest NHS data shows infections rose by 29% between September 23 and October 6; this rate is twice the typical epidemic level for this time of year.

Norovirus is also referred to as the “winter vomiting bug” because it causes gastroenteritis. This is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. As a result, you may experience debilitating symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes fever. It can be extremely uncomfortable but usually resolves in about two days.

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So what are the warning signs you need to know? Infection prevention and control nurse Christine Woodgate shared the signs and symptoms of norovirus, as well as methods to help stop the spread, in a video on TikTok.

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Christine Woodgate shared symptoms that usually appear a day or two later. He recommended treatment with rest and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

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Patients are advised to stay home unless they have diarrhea or vomiting for at least two days. Nurse Woodgate stressed the importance of avoiding visiting care homes or hospitals during this time.

To prevent further spread of the disease, you should maintain good hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water.

Norovirus Symptoms Explained

The NHS states that the main symptoms of norovirus are:

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  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • diarrhea
  • be sick (vomit)

You may also have:

  • high temperature
  • headache
  • aching arms and legs

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One person exposed to the horrors of norovirus similarly used TikTok to document their experiences. Creative @simonsits He said: “It’s been four days and I finally feel human. I think I caught norovirus. The past four days have been the saddest, scariest days of my life.

“I wouldn’t want this disease to fall on my worst enemy. I woke up on Friday with the most debilitating stomach cramps I’ve ever felt in my life – couldn’t get out of the bathroom for more than 20 minutes, had a fever of almost 103 (fahrenheit), my whole body was shaking, had skin sensitivity, terrible body aches, stiff neck, the worst headache I’ve ever had in my life.

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“This took four days. I’ve heard of people getting norovirus, I’ve had friends who have gotten it, and I couldn’t have prepared for how bad it really was. I’m so sorry if you’ve experienced this; I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Social media users shared their thoughts in the comments section. One person said: “I had norovirus for 12 days. It was HORRIBLE,” while another said: “I CANNOT have emetophobia.” A third added: “Norovirus is HORRIBLE! I needed 2 or 3 IVs of fluids when I found it.”

stomach ache
Cases of the disease have been increasing rapidly lately; so be careful(Picture: Getty Images)

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How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus can spread very easily, the NHS has warned. You can catch Norovirus by:

  • Close contact with someone with norovirus
  • Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
  • Eating food prepared or handled by someone with norovirus

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

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You should seek advice from 111 if:

  • If you are worried about a baby under 12 months
  • Your child stops breastfeeding or bottle feeding when sick
  • A child under 5 has symptoms dehydration – like less wet diapers
  • You or your child (over 5 years old) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration bags
  • You or your child continues to be sick and cannot control fluid
  • You or your child has bloody diarrhea or bleeding from the bottom
  • If you or your child has had diarrhea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days

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