There could be many more cases of the unpleasant winter vomiting bug norovirus across the UK as the Covid restrictions have now been lifted and winter weather continues, experts have warned.
If caught, it leaves victims vomiting and with diarrhoea for days - and it can prove very dangerous for young, elderly and vulnerable people.
A recent study, published in BMC Medicine, explained why there could be many more cases of norovirus in the UK this year.
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It concluded: "Continued national surveillance for endemic diseases such as norovirus will be essential after Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) are lifted to allow healthcare services to adequately prepare for a potential increase in cases and hospital pressures beyond what is typically experienced."
These NPIs are the lockdown measures that have been used to protect the country from Covid - but they have also reduced other illnesses such as norovirus by encouraging people to clean their hands more, and avoid unnecessary contact with others.
Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools where tiny particles of vomit or excrement enter a person's nose or mouth, reports The Mirror.
Dr Lesley Larkin, Surveillance Lead, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety for the UKHSA said: “Although at lower levels than before the pandemic, norovirus outbreaks continue to be reported in care home settings, so we encourage all those visiting loved ones to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of norovirus infection.
"This includes hand washing with soap and warm water regularly and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet or an episode of illness and before eating or preparing food.
"Those experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting should not return to work or send unwell children to school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared and ideally should also not prepare food during this time either.
"We advise people with symptoms to avoid visiting GP surgeries and hospitals, however if they are concerned they should talk to their GP by phone or contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS choices norovirus webpage.”
The six main symptoms
* Vomiting
* Watery diarrhoea
* Feeling sick
* Aching arms and legs
* A high temperature
* A headache
What to do if you have norovirus
You are required to isolate by yourself at home until 48 hours have passed since the last time you were sick, doctors say.
The NHS warned: “Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.
"This is when you're most infectious.
“Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.”
The virus can survive outside the body for several days on contaminated food and so it is important for people to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating.
People are most infectious from when symptoms start until 48 hours after all symptoms have passed. You may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.
