The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm for Brits displaying certain symptoms, urging them to “stay home” for 48 hours after they’ve recovered. The UKHSA shared advice on social media, warning that norovirus, described as an “incredibly infectious” condition, can be transmitted even after symptoms have subsided.
Their message was unequivocal: “Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.” Often referred to as the “winter vomiting bug” due to its common occurrence in the colder months, norovirus can actually affect individuals throughout the year and is well-known for causing episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea.
Despite being associated with winter, recent data from the UKHSA indicates that England has experienced over twice the five-year average number of cases between March 31 and April 27, recording a total of 14,959 laboratory reports in contrast to the typical 6,446.
Moreover, there’s been a significant rise in hospital outbreaks, with statistics indicating a 43.3% increase compared to the average for the previous five seasons. Nonetheless, the UKHSA has noted that while norovirus activity has been high, it has “started to decrease” in the past few weeks.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a serious caution concerning the highly transmissible norovirus, noting on its website that symptoms can develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Stressing the risks, the agency warned: “Individuals are most infectious when symptomatic, but it is possible to pass on norovirus or shed the virus, thereby contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped.”
As a result, the UKHSA and NHS are strongly recommending those with symptoms to stay at home and refrain from visiting work, schools, or healthcare settings for at least 48 hours following the cessation of symptoms. The guidance from the UKHSA is emphatic: “Stay at home.”
They instruct: “Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped and do not visit your GP or hospital while symptomatic. If you are concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS norovirus webpage.”
Additionally, they counsel against food preparation for others until well after recovery. The UKHSA further advises: “Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated food when it is handled by people shedding norovirus,”.