Norovirus Warning: UK Health Experts Warn of Second Wave of Winter Vomiting Bug

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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about the ongoing spread of norovirus, also known as the "winter vomiting bug", with cases still exceptionally high and a shift in circulating strains putting those who've already had the bug at risk of catching it again. According to the latest figures, reported cases of norovirus are at the highest level in more than a decade, with laboratory-confirmed cases in the two weeks from 3 to 16 February being 29% higher than the previous fortnight and more than double the five-season average. The UKHSA has advised people to take certain actions to prevent the spread of the virus, including staying home for 48 hours after symptoms stop and avoiding visiting hospitals and care homes or preparing food for others during this time.

The impact of norovirus is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over. The virus can cause severe symptoms in older adults, young children, and those who are immunocompromised, including dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Common symptoms of norovirus include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, stomach pains, and aching limbs. The UKHSA has advised anyone with norovirus symptoms to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and to seek medical attention if they are concerned about their symptoms or if they are in a high-risk group.

The latest data shows a shift in circulating strains of norovirus, with cases of a strain known as GII.4 sharply rising, now representing 29% of cases compared with just 10% three months ago. The recently emerged GII.17 strain has dominated so far this year, but now accounts for 59% of cases, down from 76% of cases in November. This shift in circulating strains means that those who have already had norovirus this winter are at risk of catching it again, as having one strain of the virus does not provide full protection against other strains. The UKHSA has advised people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including washing their hands regularly with soap and warm water and avoiding close contact with others who are infected.

Here are some key points to note about norovirus: * Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe symptoms in older adults, young children, and those who are immunocompromised * The virus can spread easily through close contact with others who are infected, as well as through contaminated food and water * Symptoms of norovirus include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, stomach pains, and aching limbs * The UKHSA has advised people to stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop and to avoid visiting hospitals and care homes or preparing food for others during this time * People who are in high-risk groups, such as older adults, young children, and those who are immunocompromised, should seek medical attention if they are concerned about their symptoms or if they are experiencing severe symptoms.

The UKHSA has estimated that reported cases of norovirus represent only a small fraction of actual infections, with approximately 288 cases occurring in the community for every case reported to national surveillance. This suggests that there may be around 3 million cases of norovirus annually in the UK. The agency has advised people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus and to seek medical attention if they are concerned about their symptoms or if they are in a high-risk group. As the weather gets warmer and people spend less time indoors, cases of norovirus usually start to decline, but the UKHSA has said it is too soon to judge whether or not norovirus has peaked this season.