Ireland is seeing a sharp rise in cases of a highly infectious illness that the HSE has cautioned “is not always possible to avoid” contracting.
Norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is “currently circulating at high levels in the community” and remains one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis, reports The Mirror.
The virus spreads rapidly through close personal contact and via contaminated surfaces, objects or food, which makes outbreaks challenging to control once they take hold.
In an update issued yesterday, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community. 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.
“Norovirus, for most people, is an unpleasant but mild illness that passes off quickly without any treatment. It can usually be managed at home – drinking plenty of fluids is usually all that is needed. It’s not always possible to avoid getting norovirus, but following the advice can help stop the virus spreading,” reports The Mirror.
Health authorities in Ireland are encouraging the public to take straightforward steps to safeguard themselves and others, particularly in hospitals, care homes and around those most at risk.
The HPSC added: “This seasonal surge in norovirus puts extra pressure on health and care services. 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, reports The Mirror.
“Avoid social visits to care settings while unwell. Outbreaks of norovirus in hospitals and nursing homes can cause serious disruption and increase risks for patients and staff. Your actions make a difference,” reports The Mirror.
The HSE advises that anyone suffering from vomiting or diarrhoea should remain off work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside, avoid visiting hospitals or nursing facilities and refrain from social activities while ill and for two days afterwards.
People experiencing symptoms of norovirus are also urged, where possible, not to attend Emergency Departments, and instead to contact a pharmacist or GP by phone for guidance, reports The Mirror.
However, individuals who feel very unwell “should not delay” attending the Emergency Department, but should notify reception staff if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea so that appropriate precautions can be put in place.
The HSE has warned that bringing norovirus into healthcare or care environments can result in staff becoming ill, disruption to services or even temporary closures, while vulnerable patients may face “serious consequences” if infected, reports The Mirror.
Members of the public are also reminded to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand sanitisers are ineffective against norovirus. Any potentially contaminated surfaces should be cleaned with a bleach-based disinfectant, and affected clothing or bedding should be washed separately on a hot cycle.
Towels and face cloths should not be shared, and any vomit or contaminated waste should be flushed away promptly with the surrounding area cleaned carefully. People are also advised to avoid consuming raw, unwashed fruit and vegetables, reports The Mirror.
The HSE added: “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, reports The Mirror.
“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,” reports The Mirror.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
feeling sick
getting sick (vomiting)
having diarrhoea
It continued: “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,” reports The Mirror.
“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.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
