Health officials in Ireland have warned of a surge in cases of a highly contagious illness that “is not always possible to avoid” catching, reports The Mirror.
The HSE has confirmed that norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is currently spreading widely in the community, reports The Mirror.
The virus, which leads to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, spreads easily through close contact as well as contaminated food, surfaces and objects, making outbreaks difficult to control once they begin.
In an update issued last week, 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.”
Health authorities are urging the public to take basic precautions to protect themselves and others, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes and around vulnerable individuals.
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.”
The HSE advises that anyone experiencing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea should remain off work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms have ended, avoid visiting healthcare settings and refrain from social contact during this period, reports The Mirror.
People with symptoms are also encouraged to avoid attending Emergency Departments where possible and instead seek advice from a pharmacist or GP by phone.
However, those who feel seriously unwell should still attend emergency care without delay, while informing staff of symptoms so appropriate precautions can be taken, reports The Mirror.
The HSE warned that introducing norovirus into healthcare or care settings could result in staff illness, service disruption or closures, and may have serious consequences for vulnerable patients.
Members of the public are being reminded to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels are not effective against norovirus, reports The Mirror.
Surfaces should be cleaned with bleach-based disinfectants, contaminated clothing or bedding washed separately at high temperatures, and personal items such as towels should not be shared.
Waste such as vomit should be disposed of safely and affected areas cleaned thoroughly, while people are also advised to avoid consuming raw, unwashed food, 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.”
Symptoms to watch for include feeling sick, vomiting and 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. 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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