October 31st 2024.
Recently, there has been a surge in cases of norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, spreading rapidly among households in the UK. According to data from the NHS, there has been a 29% increase in reported cases between September 23 and October 6, which is twice as much as usual for this time of year. This virus is known to cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and headache. Unfortunately, every year, thousands of people in the UK end up in the hospital due to this infection, and globally, it is responsible for about 200,000 deaths, a quarter of which are children.
In the UK, around 80 deaths are reported each year from norovirus, and these are usually older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to avoid visiting hospitals until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. In a TikTok video, NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate stressed the importance of recognizing the symptoms of norovirus, which include feeling or being sick, having diarrhea, a high temperature, and aching in the arms or legs.
If you have been infected with norovirus, you may experience symptoms such as feeling sick, diarrhea, and vomiting. In addition, you may also have aching arms and legs, high temperature, and headaches. To combat this virus, a vaccine is currently being trialed in the UK. This vaccine, developed by Moderna, uses the same technology as the successful Covid jab. The vaccine is now in its final stages of testing, with early results showing that it triggers a strong immune response. This is crucial as currently, the only treatment for those severely affected by norovirus is receiving intravenous fluids.
Chief investigator of the trial, Dr. Patrick Moore, stated that norovirus can affect people of all ages and typically peaks during the winter months in the UK. However, it can occur at any time of the year. With the development of a vaccine, there is hope for preventing the spread of this highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.
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