All you need to know about norovirus, the winter vomiting virus



[ad_1]

It's the season to get sick. If you're lucky, you could get by if you have a cold. If you are less fortunate, you will receive treatment for flu / tonsillitis / norovirus.

And the norovirus is proven as a "virus of vomiting of winter" – the name under which it is also known – according to the statistics of Public Health England (PHE) indicate that the number of outbreaks recorded in England and Wales this year is greater than the number of outbreaks during the same period last year.

Advertisement – Continue reading below

The latest PHE weekly report reveals that between week 27 of 2018 (early July) and today, there were 1,544 laboratory reports on norovirus in England and Wales. Last year, 1134 outbreaks occurred during the same period, which means that 120 new epidemics of winter vomiting virus were detected this year compared to last year.

All you need to know about norovirus, the winter vomiting virus

A nice illustration of the norovirus bug

Getty Images

The reason that norovirus – which is actually a recurring insect all year – makes sense at this time of year is "because people are inside, very close to each other with the heating on the move, which facilitates the spread of the person virus, "says Dr. Dan Quemby Cosmopolitan UK.

The other reason you are more likely to get norovirus during the colder months is that "Your immune system may be weaker," says the doctor.

What is norovirus?

"Norovirus is the leading cause of outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, with approximately 600,000 to 1 million people suffering from it each year," said Dr. Quemby. The bug causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever, cramps, headaches and sore limbs in those who contract it, but it often spreads so quickly because of its long period of contagion.

"You are contagious when you have symptoms of norovirus gastroenteritis, as well as for 48 hours after the resolution of your symptoms"says the doctor.

Norovirus will spread quickly this year and these are the symptoms

Getty Images

Advertisement – Continue reading below

Often, the assumption that you are better is what leads to an increased transmission of the bug. "If you show signs of recovery but are within 48 hours of symptom resolution, you are potentially infectious," he adds.

How can you treat norovirus?

Norovirus tends to spread naturally in your system and symptoms should begin to subside after about 48 hours. There is no specific treatment against norovirus, although it is recommended to stay hydrated and rehydrate the fluid and electrolyte losses resulting from diarrhea.

How can you avoid contracting norovirus?

You can not always avoid getting the virus from winter vomiting, but Dr. Quemby pointed out that "good hygiene can help prevent the spread of the virus."

Here are his tips to improve your chances of avoiding catching the bug:

• "Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before handling or eating food." Water and soap are much more effective than these gels. alcohol against viruses. "

• "Avoid visiting someone who is suffering from it, and if you can not, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before leaving home."

And if you have the norovirus yourself, you can reduce the risk of spreading infection to others by:

• "Avoid direct contact with other people for at least 48 hours after you have cleared your symptoms.You can still be contagious even if you do not have the disease or diarrhea."

• "Eliminate infected feces or vomit in the toilet and clean the nearby toilet at home."

• "Clean and disinfect surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that may be contaminated Household bleach cleaning products are the most effective."

• "Do not share towels and flannels with others."

• "Wash any clothing or bedding that could have been contaminated by the virus separately from uncontaminated items, using a hot wash to destroy the virus."

• "Avoid hospital visits if you have had the typical symptoms of viral gastroenteritis in the last 72 hours Norovirus is more serious and is more easily transmitted to people who are already sick."

• "Avoid contaminating food with good food hygiene – wash your hands after visiting the toilet and before cooking, keep kitchen surfaces clean and make sure food is well prepared and not cooked. contaminated before cooking.Cutting boards are nurseries! "

Follow Cat on Instagram.

[ad_2]
Source link