28 December 2023 , 12:10
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During the festive period, the last thing you want is to get sick - but a doctor has warned there's a 48-hour bug currently sweeping through the UK.
Every year, when the mercury drops, people are more likely to pick bugs up as we naturally socialise more indoors, and in big groups of people as the festivities around Christmas are enjoyed. This means that germs can spread faster, having a bigger impact.
Alongside Covid, and flu, Norovirus is also on the rise, and health chiefs have recommended that if you're suffering from this or any other diarrhoea-causing stomach bug, you shouldn't be preparing any food for the family. People are being warned that if they feel poorly, to not socialise or return to work during a 48-hour window of having symptoms - especially if you might come into contact with those vulnerable.
Dr Lesley Larkin, Interim Deputy Director, Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division at UKHSA said: "Norovirus cases continue to rise, especially among those 65 and older and in care homes.
"If you have norovirus or any other stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing it on to family and friends over the festive period. Don't prepare food for others if you have symptoms or for 48 hours after symptoms stop."
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She also noted that many people will be travelling around this period, but if you think you have norovirus, you "should avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to avoid passing on the infection in these settings." Dr Larkin continued: "Do not return to work or school once term restarts, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.
"Washing your hands with soap and water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading."
The main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)