Nurse urges Brits to do three things as 'harrowing' winter bug sweeps UK

As a highly contagious bug sweeps through the UK, a nurse has shared the three steps that Brits can take to keep themselves safe from the illness.

Usually, Norovirus cases tend to peak slightly later in the year, but this year the winter bug has already seen an increase in cases.

According to data, Norovirus infections increased by 29% between September 23 and October 6, which is two times as fast as the virus usually spreads at this time of year.

Sufferers have said that they felt ‘worse than they’ve ever felt’, while others who have contracted the nasty virus have said the symptoms were ‘harrowing’.

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A nurse has shared three things that you can do to stop the illness from spreading.

NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate said in a TikTok video: "If you are feeling or being sick, have diarrhoea or have a temperature, headache, or aching in your arms or legs, it could be norovirus."

If you suspect you have norovirus, you should stay off work and school "until you've not had diarrhoea or vomiting for two days," Woodgate explained. "Do not visit care homes or during this time," she added.

"Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread," Woodgate continued. It is important to note that hand sanitiser is not effective in stopping the spread of norovirus and should not be used as a substitute for washing your hands with soap.

It is recommended that you wash your hands for about 40 seconds. It is particularly important to wash your hands after going to the toilet or changing a nappy and before eating or handling food, according to the NHS.

"If you are worried about you or your child's symptoms, go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111," Woodgate continued. Woodgate added the "very unpleasant" stomach bug usually goes away within two days and can be treated at home with rest and plenty of fluids. Norovirus usually doesn't require professional treatment.

According to NHS Inform, you should avoid going to your GP with norovirus as the disease can spread easily to others. However, you should go to A&E if there is vomit in your blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee; if you have green vomit or your child has yellow-green or green vomit; if you might have swallowed something poisonous; if you have stiff neck pain or pain when looking at bright lights; or have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache.