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Norovirus is going to spread fast this year

Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved
Photo credit: Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

From Cosmopolitan UK

It's the winter sickness bug everybody dreads, but reports suggest that cases of norovirus could be on the rise again this season. Good-o.

Such concerns have lead Wales' largest health board, Betsi Cadwaladr, to urge people to be alert for symptoms of the stomach bug – which is highly contagious. This comes after a 2016 outbreak of norovirus caused nine hospital wards to close in north Wales alone. And not only is it grim AF to experience yourself, but it's thought the bug costs the UK economy approximately £15m every year, which is pretty crazy.

Photo credit: Giphy
Photo credit: Giphy

The reason that norovirus can become such a problem is that humans don't develop an immunity to it, meaning it can be spread easily and rapidly. So, what symptoms should you look out for, and how can you protect yourself? NetDoctor GP Dr Roger Henderson explains...

Norovirus symptoms

  • Sudden nausea and projectile vomiting

  • Watery diarrhoea

  • Fever

  • Stomach cramps

  • Headaches

  • Aching limbs

Infection is easily spread from person to person, through contact with an infected individual or through a contaminated surface. The virus takes between 12 and 48 hours to take hold after infection and lasts for up to three days. A person remains contagious for 48 hours after symptoms clear.

Protect yourself

  • Wash your hands after using the toilet and at regular intervals throughout the day

  • Disinfect any surface that's been contaminated with vomit or diarrhoea from the illness

  • Don't prepare food for others until three days after symptoms have cleared

  • Wear gloves while cleaning or disinfecting

  • Avoid close contact with an infected person

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