Norovirus Outbreak At Commonwealth Games Village: Here's How To Spot The Symptoms

Here's How To Spot The Symptoms Of The Norovirus

The norovirus, sometimes known as the winter vomiting bug, is now the most common stomach bug in the UK.

According to the NHS, it's estimated that between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch the norovirus each year, and it seems even healthy athletes are at risk.

An outbreak of the sickness and diarrhoea bug has hit the Commonwealth Games Village where all athletes are staying a week before the games are due to start.

Infection controls have been put in place in an attempt to guarantee the athlete's good health for the games.

The incubation period for the norovirus usually lasts between 12 and 48 hours. You may be infectious to other people during this time.

But how do you know if you have the virus?

Story continues below slideshow:

Previously speaking to The Huffington Post, a spokesperson from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) spoke about the development of a norovirus vaccine: "We welcome any new initiative that enables us to help manage the large numbers of norovirus infections that occur, whether that is in the hospital, nursing home setting, schools, or cruiseships.

"There are many different strains of norovirus and these rapidly evolve so a vaccine that gives protection against one will not prevent you from becoming infected with another type of norovirus that is in circulation.

"Immunity to norovirus tends to last for only a relatively short period, so the dose of the vaccine would have to be repeated, probably on an annual basis.

"There are several vaccines for norovirus in development but all are probably several years away from being in general use."

As a vaccination is not yet available, if you think you may have the norovirus, the NHS advise that you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains but do not go and visit your GP, as the norovirus is a highly contagious illness.

Close