UK households have been issued a warning not to prepare food for others if they experience symptoms (Image: Getty)
UK households have been issued a warning not to cook or prepare food for others if they experience three symptoms.
The warning comes as data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows an increase in this week, with rates currently well above the five-season average.
The health body warns that the spike comes after people returned to work and school after the and period, and says households must take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
Norovirus, also known as the , spreads very easily and is linked to around 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year.
The stomach bug causes gastroenteritis which results in sudden nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. It can also cause a high temperature, headaches, aching arms and limbs and stomach cramps.
It is easily transmitted through contact with infected people and any surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus, including food.
It’s also possible to be infected with norovirus more than once, so even if you’ve already had it this winter there is still a risk you could get it again as the virus is always changing meaning your body can’t build up any long-term resistance.
People who have norovirus are most infectious when they are symptomatic, so if you experience any of the three main symptoms – nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting – you should stay at home for 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and avoid cooking and preparing food for others during this time.
The UKHSA warns: “Individuals are most infectious when symptomatic, but it is possible to pass on norovirus or shed the virus, thereby contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped.
“If you’ve got norovirus, avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated food when it is handled by people shedding norovirus.”
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Households are also urged to frequently and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet and after an episode of illness, as it can help stop the virus from spreading.
Amy Douglas, Epidemiologist at UKHSA, adds: “Norovirus activity remains high. If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
“Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”