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THE VIRUS 'IS ABLE TO SPREAD EASILY' 07:58, 29 May 2025Updated 12:26, 29 May 2025 The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert as cases of a nasty bug are spreading at

"higher levels than usual this spring". People are being urged to stay off work or school and to avoid care homes and hospitals for 48 hours after symptoms clear - in a bid to

stop the spread. UKHSA said on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday: "Vomiting or diarrhoea in spring? It could still be #Norovirus. Despite being known as the "winter vomiting

bug", norovirus can spread all year round, and we’re seeing higher than usual levels this spring. Find out what to do to stop the spread." Information provided in an accompanying

link further explains that norovirus "is able to spread easily through communities and so outbreaks are common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care

homes, schools and nurseries." Most people's symptoms start between 12 and 48 hours after they caught the virus, and people are most infectious while symptomatic. However it is

possible to "shed" the virus, by contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before and after experiencing symptoms. It is therefore important to wash your hands regularly

and thoroughly with warm water and soap, and to avoid preparing food for others. UKHSA also reminds people that alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against norovirus. Article

continues below Common symptoms include sickness, diarrhoea, and/or vomiting, and some sufferers may also experience headaches, fever, and ache in their arms or legs. Any contaminated

clothing or bedding should be washed at 60C. GET HEALTH WARNINGS STRAIGHT TO YOUR WHATSAPP! As the world grapples with the threats of Covid-19, mpox and more, the Mirror has launched its

very own Health & Wellbeing WhatsApp community where you'll get health warnings and news straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all

directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is CLICK ON THIS LINK, select 'Join Chat' and

you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our

partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you’re curious,

you can read our PRIVACY NOTICE. CLICK HERE TO JOIN WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE NOROVIRUS The NHS website has a ticklist of steps you should take if you are unfortunate enough to fall ill with

norovirus. * eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy * give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds * carry on breast or

bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual * drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick * stay

at home and get plenty of rest * take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child The site says you should avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks

as they can make diarrhoea worse. In addition, the site says do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength. Article continues below It also notes that you should not give

children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea - and says "do not give aspirin to children under 16".