A terrible winter disease is presently spreading “at high levels” in Ireland, and health experts are warning people to be on the lookout for some of its unmistakable indications. A spike in norovirus cases has been recorded by the HSE, which has cautioned that this trend is likely to continue “for the next number of weeks”, reports The Mirror.
Diarrhoea and vomiting are symptoms of norovirus, also referred to as the winter vomiting bug. It is difficult to contain once an outbreak starts because it spreads rapidly through contaminated food, surfaces, and intimate contact.
In an update issued earlier this week, the HSE said: “Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks. Norovirus (the winter vomiting bug), which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly infectious and easily spread by close contact between people,” reports The Mirror.
Ireland is already seeing high levels of influenza, RSV, and Covid at the same time as the seasonal norovirus increase. According to the HSE, hospitals and healthcare systems are under more strain as a result of these viruses working together.
It explained: “Norovirus normally surges in winter, often boosted by increased socialising. At this time of year, when we still have a lot of influenza, RSV and COVID-19, high levels of norovirus, combined with pressures from circulating respiratory infections, can place severe demands on healthcare services,” reports The Mirror.
Although norovirus is unpleasant, most people recover fast without medical intervention, according to health experts. However, the HSE is recommending the following safety measures to the public in order to stop its spread:
– After your symptoms have subsided, take a minimum of 48 hours off from work or school.
– Avoid going to emergency rooms if you have diarrhoea or vomiting; instead, call your doctor or pharmacist. However, you shouldn’t put off visiting the emergency room if you believe you are very ill.
– Use soap and water to wash your hands often and thoroughly. Noroviruses are not killed by alcohol-based hand gels.
It added: “Norovirus, in 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 above advice can help stop the virus spreading,” reports The Mirror.
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