The norovirus is highly contagious
Doctors have expressed their concerns about an outbreak of norovirus in Ireland.
It is believed 33 people in a childcare facility contracted the vomiting bug in October.
The outbreak happened in the east of the country.
5 people contracted the virus in a hospital in the North-East of Ireland two weeks later.
Parents have been advised to keep their children out of school and childcare facilities if they’re suffering from any symptoms.
The highly contagious norovirus can spread rapidly.
Doctors are already overwhelmed with patients so a severe outbreak of norovirus is the last thing our healthcare system needs to be dealing with.
Parents have been advised to keep an eye out for symptoms.
According to the HSE, the main symptoms include feeling sick, diarrhea, and vomiting.
However, some people will also experience a slight fever, headaches, painful stomach cramps, and aching limbs.
Symptoms tend to show up 1 to 2 days after infection and can last up to 3 days.
Most cases clear up on their own.
The HSE suggests, “You can normally look after yourself or your child at home. Try to avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.”
There is no cure for norovirus so people who contract it just need to let it run its course. Doctors stressed that antibiotics will not help cure it.
The highly infectious virus can be contracted through contact with an infected person so washing your hands properly is essential.
The HSE explained, “You are most infectious from when your symptoms start until 48 hours after all your symptoms have passed. You may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.”
“You can get norovirus more than once because the virus is always changing. Because of this, your body is unable to build up long-term resistance to it.”
It is vital that anyone suffering from this virus isolates at home and stays away from places like schools, creches and hospitals until they’re better.
