Norovirus
Norovirus, the winter vomiting bug...in August! DCC are seeing slightly more Norovirus in the community than normal for this time of the year.
Published: 18 August 2023
Norovirus, also called the “winter vomiting bug”, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It’s rather unpleasant but short-lived for most. For some though, it can have more of an impact. Symptoms include feeling sick or being sick and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, headache, or aching arms and legs.
The best way to protect yourself and others is to wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water – and always after going to the toilet and before you prepare or eat any food. Alcohol gels won’t kill Norovirus.
If you do get it there are things you can do to help yourself and to avoid passing it to others:
- drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped
- avoid cooking and helping prepare meals for others where possible until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped
- wash any contaminated clothes and bedding at 60 degrees and disinfect contaminated surfaces
If you are concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS norovirus webpage.
You can read more in the UKHSA blog about what to do if you catch it and how you can stop it spreading.
