As the colder months approach, UK households are being advised to take extra precautions against a prevalent winter illness by washing clothing and bedding in hot water this November.

Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, tends to spike during the winter as people increasingly gather indoors, facilitating its spread. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted a recent uptick in norovirus cases, prompting calls for greater vigilance. Often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus leads to symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, as well as through direct contact with infected individuals, touching contaminated objects, or consuming food prepared by someone with the virus.

This virus is notorious for its ability to mutate, meaning immunity is usually short-lived, allowing individuals to contract it multiple times. Therefore, reducing the risk of infection this winter is crucial.

Health experts recommend several preventive measures, such as washing clothes and bed linens in hot water at a minimum temperature of 60°C. This method effectively eliminates virus particles that may be present.

Electronics company Beko advises that washing bed sheets weekly on a hot cycle is a good practice to curb the spread of germs. Their guidance notes, “For those with sensitive skin, if your washing machine lacks a dedicated Anti-Allergy program, bedding should still be washed on a hot/boil wash at 60 degrees to help prevent the persistence or spread of infections.”

It states: “If you have sensitive skin, but your appliance does not feature a dedicated Anti-Allergy programme, your bedding should be washed on a hot/boil wash at 60 degrees to help prevent infections from persisting or spreading.”

Households are also urged not to share towels or flannels, and to disinfect surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner. Regular hand washing with soap and water is also recommended as alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill norovirus.

In its advice to households on preventing the spread of norovirus, the UKHSA says: “Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using normal washing powder at 60°C, and if possible, wear disposable gloves to handle contaminated items.

“Disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach-based cleaning products where possible, as norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or weeks otherwise.”

If you do catch norovirus you should stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, added: “While norovirus remains within expected levels, we’re seeing an increase in cases so please remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading.

“At the moment the highest rate of cases is in children so if your child has any symptoms, please keep them off school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms stop.

“If you’re unwell, don’t go to work or prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms end and avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection to vulnerable people.

“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 so don’t rely on these alone.”