A pharmacist has issued a 20-second warning as cases of a nasty winter bug continue to rise in the UK. This rule could help prevent you catching norovirus.

According to the NHS, cases of norovirus have “doubled” in just one month. Last week NHS England explained that norovirus cases in hospitals have risen to their “highest level” so far this winter.

There were an average of 1,012 patients in hospital with norovirus each day. Data published on February 19 showed the average number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week rose to over 1,000 for the first time this winter (1,012).

• Expert reveals seven key habits that are 'sabotaging' your sleep


• Antioxidant-packed nut could help slash cholesterol and protect the heart

The total is a jump of almost nine percent (8.9 per cent) in cases compared with the previous week (929). And the average number of norovirus patients in hospitals per day rose by more than 2.5 times from the start to the end of January (from 361 to 950).

NHS England said the country was facing a “second surge” as cases rose again in February after briefly stabilising at the start of the month. With this in mind, pharmacist Jason Murphy, shared some key advice.

Mr Murphy, who is the head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, said: “Norovirus spreads much more easily than people think. It’s also incredibly stubborn and easy to pass on. It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days.

“Gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus tend to spread more widely in winter and early spring, when people spend more time indoors. The current increase may also be linked to the spread of different norovirus strains at the same time, as well as changes in how cases are tested and reported.

“With fewer people catching other viruses over the past few years, immunity in the community may be lower, leading to people becoming more susceptible.” Norovirus, commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is a gastrointestinal condition that triggers vomiting and diarrhoea.

It is caused by a virus that spreads through poo and can spread to others very easily. You can catch norovirus from:

• Close contact with someone with norovirus


• Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth


• Eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus


• Drinking unclean water or infected food

As well as vomiting and diarrhoea, it can also cause a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.

Mr Murphy continued: “For most people, norovirus isn’t dangerous, is manageable and they will usually recover well with the right support. Think of hydration, rest, and symptom control as your recovery plan.

“In addition, you must ensure you put in place good infection control by keeping yourself clean and surfaces disinfected using a product like household bleach. If possible isolate infected people and try and use separate bathrooms if possible and keep rooms ventilated.

“With these steps in place, norovirus is usually manageable. If symptoms do persist, we’d recommend visiting a pharmacist or your GP.”

A simple rule to help prevent the spread of norovirus is to wash your hands for “at least” 20 seconds after going to the toilet, using public transport and before eating. Mr Murphy said: “As cases continue to rise, it's important to go beyond basic hygiene and adopt more targeted measures to protect yourself and those around you.

“As a pharmacist, I look at norovirus in two ways: how we stop it spreading, and how we can support our body while the virus runs its course. There's no cure for the virus itself, but washing your hands for at least 20 seconds after the bathroom, public transport and before eating, disinfecting surfaces thoroughly and keeping hydrated, can help reduce the risk of it spreading.”

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.