UKHSA 'accident' alert to people dealing with this common issue

UKHSA 'accident' alert to people dealing with this common issue The UK Health Security Agency has issued an alert People struck down by a stomach bug have been issued updated advice from UK health officials. In a light-hearted social media post, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offered a memory trick for spelling diarrhoea – "Dash In A Real Rush, Hurry Or Else Accident!" – before directing sufferers to official advice on the causes, symptoms and treatment of stomach bugs. Behind the joke, however, is a serious warning. Health experts say gastrointestinal illnesses, which cause diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, affect people of all ages and are among the most common health complaints in the UK. While most cases clear up within a few days, young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of dangerous dehydration. The agency said viruses remain the biggest culprit, with norovirus – often dubbed the winter vomiting bug – continuing to infect people throughout the year, not just in winter. Symptoms usually begin between 12 and 48 hours after infection and most people recover after a few days' rest. However, because several strains circulate at once, it is possible to catch norovirus more than once in a short period. Children are also vulnerable to rotavirus, although cases have fallen sharply since the introduction of routine infant vaccination in 2013. Officials also warned that food poisoning caused by bacteria can produce longer-lasting illness. Among the biggest offenders are Campylobacter, commonly linked to undercooked chicken, Salmonella, often associated with eggs, poultry and dairy products, and dangerous strains of E. coli, which can in some cases lead to serious kidney complications. Other infections highlighted by the UKHSA include Shigella, Yersinia, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which can spread through contaminated food, water, poor hygiene or contact with infected animals. The agency said the best treatment for most stomach bugs is rest and drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. People are advised to sip water regularly if they feel sick, continue feeding babies little and often, eat when they feel able and use paracetamol if needed for discomfort. However, officials warn against giving anti-diarrhoea medicines to children under 12 or aspirin to anyone under 16. Fruit juice and fizzy drinks should also be avoided because they can make diarrhoea worse. Most cases of vomiting settle within one or two days, while diarrhoea usually clears within five to seven days. Anyone whose symptoms continue beyond this, or who becomes seriously unwell, should seek medical advice. Parents are also being told to watch for signs of dehydration, including dark urine or passing urine less often, with pharmacists able to recommend oral rehydration treatments where appropriate. To stop stomach bugs spreading, the UKHSA says people should: - Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water – alcohol hand gels alone do not kill norovirus. - Clean contaminated surfaces with bleach-based disinfectant. - Stay off work or school until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. - Avoid visiting hospitals or care homes until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. - Stay out of swimming pools for at least 48 hours after recovery, or two weeks after cryptosporidium infection. The agency said simple hygiene measures remain the most effective way to reduce the spread of highly infectious stomach bugs within homes, schools, workplaces and care settings. More details here.