“Discover the Hidden Signs of the ‘Extremely Contagious’ Virus Sweeping the UK – Are You at Risk?”

As the UK braces for an uninvited guest—the “winter vomiting bug”—you might be wondering if you should start stocking up on ginger ale and saltine crackers. It seems this ‘extremely contagious’ virus has decided to crash the party early this year, prompting health experts to advise Brits to stay at home if they exhibit any of six telling symptoms. Is it just me, or does it feel like the virus is auditioning for the “come-back kid” role long before the winter season even begins? While norovirus can rear its ugly head at any time, it’s during the winter months that we typically see a festive spike. So, grab your couch blanket and maybe a good book—if you’re not feeling unwell—because knowing when to say “no” to social gatherings is about to get a whole lot more important. LEARN MORE.

An ‘extremely contagious’ virus appears to be sweeping the UK at the moments as Brits are being urged to stay at home if they have these six symptoms.

Technically, it’s not even winter yet and it looks like the ‘winter vomiting bug’ has arrived early.

The truth is that you can get it at any time of the year, but it’s more common in winter.

There are a rise in cases (Getty Stock Images)

What is norovirus?

What we’re talking about here is norovirus, which is an ‘extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected’.

“Often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other,” Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health, said.

While symptoms can be pretty rough, norovirus remains as one of the most common stomach bugs in the UK.

Norovirus symptoms

Experts have encouraged you stay at home if you have these symptoms (Getty Stock Images)

As reported by the Metro, you need to look out for these six symptoms:

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

High temperature

Headaches

Exhaustion

Norovirus treatment

Health experts suggest avoiding contact with others for at least 48 hours until your symptoms improve.

Staying at home when you’re ill, in general, is a good way to stop the spread of any virus.

I just got flashbacks from lockdown, so we’re just going to leave that one there.

“Try to keep your meals bland while you’re unwell with norovirus, to avoid further upsetting your stomach,” Dr Burke advised.

“If you are struggling to keep food down, try small amounts of easily digestible foods such as toast and crackers.

‘Rest is essential for a quick recovery’ (Getty Stock Images)

“With any illness that causes sickness, it’s really important to maintain fluid levels while unwell to prevent dehydration.

“Our bodies lose a lot of fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea therefore, you must be regularly drinking clear fluids and electrolytes when you are unwell with norovirus.

“When infected with norovirus, rest is essential for a quick recovery. It’s best to ensure that you are giving your body adequate time (a minimum of 48 hours) to rest and recover from the virus before returning back to work or school.”

Norovirus cases are rising

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained: “The half-term school break is likely to have interrupted the upward trend we’ve been seeing recently in norovirus levels, but cases are likely to rise again as we head towards Christmas.”

She added: “Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.”