CASES of norovirus are on the rise in England as children head back to the classroom, data has revealed.
Infections are up 14 per cent and medics have warned figures are higher than the usual for this time of year.
Fresh figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggest there have been over 300 new cases reported.
However, in most instances, norovirus is a bug that can leave you vomiting and rushing to the toilet.
This means that many who have the illness may not have been tested, so in reality, cases could be much higher.
The report states that between December 19 and January 1 there have been on average, 364 cases of norovirus.
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This is compared to just 313 reported in the two week prior.
Cases of the bug are also 10 per cent higher for this time of year than they have been for the past five years, it said.
Norovirus – known as the winter vomiting bug is a highly infectious – and unpleasant – viral illness.
Those who are unlucky enough to catch it will usually experience vomiting and or diarrhoea.
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Commenting on the rise in cases, Richard Elson of UKHSA said: "Reports of norovirus at the end of 2022 were higher than we would expect to see at that time of year.
"One of the best ways to protect yourself against norovirus is by practising good hand hygiene".
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.
The 6 ways to protect yourself and beat the bug
Norovirus can be nasty, but there are ways that you can prevent you and your family catching the bug.
The six ways are:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Use sanitiser as well as hand washing
- Wash fruit and vegetables before eating them
- Cook seafood thoroughly
- Throw contaminated foods out
- Keep people who have the bug away from food preparation
The signs of norovirus you need to know
You are likely to have caught norovirus if you experience a sudden sick feeling, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
The main symptoms are:
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Aching arms and legs
The first three symptoms are the most common, with other people also experiencing a high temperature, headache and aching limbs
Source: NHS
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