Health authorities have issued a warning that certain preventive measures are ineffective, as England continues to experience high numbers of cases related to a particularly unpleasant virus.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced this week that although norovirus activity has levelled off recently, the number of infections remains alarmingly above the usual rate for this time of year.

The public is being advised against relying on a commonly believed preventative measure that, in fact, does not work against the virus.

In a statement released on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, UKHSA stated, “Anti-bac? Hand-gel? Hand-sanitizer? Whatever you call it, it doesn’t work against norovirus. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.”

Norovirus, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug,’ can affect individuals at any time of the year and is the leading infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhea in the UK.

The virus is highly contagious, spreading rapidly through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. While most people recover in two to three days, experts caution that some individuals may experience fatigue for up to a week.

The virus frequently strikes “suddenly,” with the primary symptoms being:.

• Diarrhoea
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Being sick (vomiting)

There are also some lesser-known symptoms, including a high temperature, a headache, stomach pain, and aching arms and legs.

This week, a ward at West Suffolk Hospital was shut down, with people told to avoid visiting if they’ve recently been ill due to an increase in norovirus cases.

Across the UK, health bosses recommend that anyone with symptoms should stay home from work – or keep children displaying symptoms out of school – for a minimum of 48 hours after symptoms subside.

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