Norovirus, which can cause serious complications in young children and remains contagious even after symptoms have subsided, is on the rise. Public Health Wales has issued a stark warning to parents and caregivers to familiarise themselves with the early signs of the virus as cases continue to surge.
This comes ahead of nurseries and schools reopening for the new year. Since September, there's been a steady increase in norovirus cases across the country, with a sharp 26% spike just before Christmas. The NHS advises that anyone suspected of having the virus should avoid going to work, school or nursery while they have active symptoms and for 48 hours after their symptoms stop as this is when they are most infectious. The main symptoms of norovirus, which affect both adults and children, include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.
Other symptoms can include a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs. Symptoms usually begin suddenly within two days of being infected and escalate quickly. The virus can be transmitted through contact with an infected person, or via contaminated surfaces such as clothing, linen and food prepared by someone who is ill. Regular hand washing and cleaning of contaminated surfaces can help prevent the spread of the virus, however, alcohol hand gels do not kill this virus.
While most people and children can recover from norovirus at home with plenty of rest and fluids to avoid dehydration, symptoms should start to ease after about three days. It's recommended that if you or your child are unwell, you should avoid visiting hospitals or care homes.
