Norovirus infection in the bloodstream (Picture: Getty Images)
A severe outbreak of the highly contagious norovirus is spreading across UK households.
Cases of the stomach bug have seen a 29% increase between September 23 and October 6, NHS data has revealed.
This double the amount expected for this time of year.
The virus causes diarrhoea and vomiting, with those infected also experiencing a fever and headache.
Thousands of Brits end up in hospital every year due to the highly contagious virus.
Globally, it causes about 200,000 deaths annually – a quarter of which are children.
There are around 80 deaths each year from norovirus in the UK, typically older adults and immunocompromised patients.
Anyone who has symptoms are urged to avoid visiting the hospital until they have been symptom free for 48 hours.
NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate said in a TikTok video: ‘If you are feeling or being sick, have diarrhoea or have a temperature, headache, or aching in your arms or legs, it could be norovirus.’
What are the main symptoms of norovirus?
If you have been infected with norovirus, you will experience:
Feeling sick (nausea)
Diarrhoea
Being sick (vomiting)
You may also have:
Aching arms and legs
High temperature
Headaches
A vaccine for the virus is being trialled in the UK (Picture: Getty Images)
The world’s first vaccine against norovirus has been trialled in UK hospitals, using the same tech employed in the Covid jab.
The new mRNA vaccine from Moderna is due to enter its final stages of testing in the next couple of weeks, with results so far indicating it prompts a ‘strong immune response’.
Chief investigator of the study Dr Patrick Moore said the lack of a vaccine currently means seriously ill people in hospital can only be treated with intravenous fluids.
He said: ‘It can affect people of all ages, and it usually peaks in the winter months in the UK… but we do see norovirus throughout the whole of the year.’
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Source:: Metro
