Government says 'do not go to work' if you contract virus sweeping UK

The government has said 'do not go to work' if you contract a virus sweeping the UK.

The UKHSA has said confirmed cases of norovirus are around 75 per cent higher than the average for the past five years. The health agency issued an alert over the virus after seeing a sharp increase in the last two weeks.

Usually, cases of norovirus would drop in the Spring but haven't yet this year, experts said. Symptoms of the virus, also called the 'winter vomiting bug', include vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.

READ NEXT: Manchester has among highest suspected cases of disease that's 'one of the world's most infectious'

The virus usually lasts around two days. Experts said the colder weather is not likely to have helped with the increase in cases.

Amy Douglas, Norovirus Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: "Norovirus levels were higher in April than we would usually see at this time of year and have been increasing. This is likely due to a combination of factors, but the colder weather we have had won't have helped.

"Norovirus can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids. If you have got diarrhoea and vomiting, you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on.

"Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

"Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus