Viruses on the rampage
Most people I know, myself included, have recently suffered from illness in one form or another. From flu to chest infections, these viruses have been taking their toll on many of us over the past few weeks.
Today, the BBC reports that norovirus, a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting is sweeping through the country. Doctors are estimating that more than 100,000 people are catching the bug each week and the Health Protection Agency has confirmed that that the number of reported norovirus cases is the highest since 2002.
The bug is rarely dangerous but can lead to dehydration. Easily spread by contact with other people, outbreaks are common in public places such as hospitals and schools.
Professor Steve Field of the Royal College of GPs says "Wash your hands regularly so you don't infect anyone else and stay at home two days after the symptoms have gone."
A set of FAQs on norovirus are available from the Health Protection Agency.
Source: BBC
