Ireland’s health authorities have issued an urgent alert to anyone feeling unwell with two specific symptoms, as a highly contagious stomach virus continues to spread at what are described as “high levels” nationwide. The HSE said confirmed cases of norovirus are increasing and warned that this rise is “likely to continue”, reports The Mirror.
Norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is extremely infectious and usually causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads rapidly through close personal contact, contaminated surfaces and food, making outbreaks difficult to control once they begin.
In an update released two weeks ago, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue over the festive season. Norovirus (often called the winter vomiting bug), causes vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly infectious, easily spread by close contact between people”, reports The Mirror.
The warning comes as Ireland is also experiencing high levels of influenza, with the HSE saying the combination of both illnesses is placing added pressure on health and care services.
It stated: “Outbreaks of norovirus and flu in hospitals and nursing homes can cause serious disruption and increase risks for patients and staff. Your actions make a difference. We can all help by taking simple precautions. If you have respiratory symptoms, or vomiting or diarrhoea, do not visit hospitals, nursing homes, or vulnerable people at home. Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell”, reports The Mirror.
Health officials emphasised that although norovirus is unpleasant, most people recover quickly without needing medical treatment, and staying well hydrated is usually sufficient. However, to limit the spread, the HSE is urging people to follow a number of precautions, including remaining at home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
People are advised to stay away from work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms end, avoid visiting hospitals, care homes or vulnerable individuals, and refrain from socialising while unwell and for two days afterwards, reports The Mirror.
Anyone suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea is also being asked to avoid attending Emergency Departments where possible, and instead seek advice from a pharmacist or GP by phone. The HSE warned that bringing norovirus into healthcare or care settings can result in staff illness, service disruption or even closures, while vulnerable patients face serious risks if infected.
However, those who feel seriously unwell are still advised to attend an Emergency Department, but should inform staff at reception if they have vomiting or diarrhoea so that appropriate precautions can be put in place, reports The Mirror.
The public is also being reminded to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus. Potentially contaminated surfaces should be disinfected with a bleach-based cleaner, and affected clothing or bedding should be washed separately on a hot cycle. Towels and face cloths should not be shared, vomit or infected waste should be flushed away with surrounding areas cleaned thoroughly, and people are advised to avoid eating raw or unwashed food produce, reports The Mirror.
The HSE says: “Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland. It’s also called the ‘winter vomiting bug’. This is because it’s more common in winter. But you can catch it at any time of the year. Norovirus can be unpleasant but it usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home. Try to avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily. You’re likely to have norovirus if you:
feel sick
get sick (vomit)
have diarrhoea
“Some people also have a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs. The symptoms start one to two days after you become infected and last for up to two or three days. The best thing to do is to stay at home until you’re feeling better. There’s no cure for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. Antibiotics will not help because it’s caused by a virus. You do not usually need to get medical advice unless there’s a risk of a more serious problem,” reports The Mirror.
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