Four norovirus myths debunked, and how to avoid catching the bug
When norovirus comes knocking, no one is safe. The highly contagious bug affects people of all ages and is so infectious that it affects nearly four million people in the UK every year - and cases have surged this year, according to new figures published by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA).
Norovirus cases have jumped by 31% in two weeks, almost double the five-season average for the same two-week period. UKHSA data shows that the cases are being driven by a variant named GII.17, which has also been nicknamed 'Kawasaki', the Japanese city where it was first detected in 2014.
The virus can cause nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, as well as a high temperature and stomach cramping. Symptoms usually come on suddenly, usually beginning one or two days after infection occurs.
There are no specific treatments for norovirus and most people who catch it get better within one to three days. The best - and only - thing you can do if you have norovirus is manage the symptoms and let it run its course.
However, there may be some hope on the horizon as the NHS is set to run a trial for a world-first norovirus vaccine, which will take place over approximately two years. It is hoped that the mRNA vaccine will protect against three major strains of norovirus.
But until it is approved for the general public, we must manage the bug to the best of our abilities and avoid spreading it wherever possible. There are several myths about norovirus that may contribute to its spread, so it’s important to know the truth behind them.
We’ve busted four major myths about norovirus, with expert tips on the prevention methods that actually work:
🧼 Myth: Hand sanitiser kills norovirus
Reality: Although alcohol and antibacterial hand sanitisers are popular among people who want to avoid getting ill, they do not protect against norovirus and will not stop the spread of this nasty bug.
What actually works?
The NHS says that handwashing is the best way to protect yourself against norovirus. Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food.
💊 Myth: Antibiotics treat norovirus
Reality: Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics because antibiotics work to fight bacteria, not viruses.
What actually works?
There is no treatment or cure for norovirus. It’s best to let the virus run its course, which usually means undergoing symptoms for one to three days. You should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea, and stay at home to avoid spreading it to others.
🍳 Myth: Norovirus is the same as food poisoning
Reality: While norovirus and food poisoning share similar symptoms, they are not the same thing. Food poisoning comes from contaminated food or drinks, and is not contagious, while norovirus is a viral infection and highly contagious. That being said, a person who is sick with norovirus can spread it if they touch food with their bare hands or prepare the food while contagious.
What actually works?
If a person is infected with norovirus, they should avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Healthy people should also avoid sharing utensils with anyone who is sick.
🤢 Myth: You can't spread norovirus without symptoms
Reality: According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the incubation period of norovirus is 12 to 48 hours, which is the time between catching it to developing symptoms. Individuals are at their most infectious when they have symptoms - but you can still contaminate surfaces, objects or food both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped.
What actually works?
You should stay at home while you have symptoms of norovirus, and for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. Do not return to work or send children who have been ill to school after symptoms have stopped, and do not visit your GP or hospital while symptomatic to avoid spreading it and causing an outbreak.
How can I avoid norovirus?
You may not always be able to avoid getting norovirus, but you can limit the spread by practising good hygiene.
NHS Choices recommend:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
Not sharing towels and flannels
Disinfecting surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with a bleach-based household cleaner
Wash clothing or bedding that could be contaminated separately and on a hot wash
Avoid eating raw, unwashed produce
Read more about staying healthy:
How to treat back-to-school bugs (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
An expert guide to avoiding illness in the colder months (Cover, 2-min read)
Health experts' five tips to keep your immune system strong this autumn (Daily Record, 4-min read)
