NHS have had to close 1,100 beds due to recent Norovirus utbreak. NHS chiefs have asked the public to do everything they can to reduce the spread of norovirus. Norovirus isn't too serious and goes away within around 2 days. Although it is very infectious and can spread very easily. It's most commonly known as the "Winter Vomiting Bug" as it is most common in winter but can still be caught at any time. It's may be very discomforting and displeasing but it doesn't stick around for too long.

Symptoms 

It is quite sudden and consists of different symptoms such as:

Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Fever (above 38 C), Headaches, Aching arms + legs

How to treat it

There isn't much you can do about it, if your in pain or have a high temperature, you could take a paracetamol. Stay off from school or work for at least 48 hours so that the infection doesn't spread, and it's also deeply advised to not visit the hospital whilst having the norovirus. Since there's no cure to this you have to let it do what it wants and you must stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to replace the water that you've lost either through being sick, or through diarrhoea. Stay away from fizzy drinks and fruit juice, particularly for kids with norovirus, as it can make the diarrhoea worse. If your feeling hungry you can eat plain foods such as bread, rice and pasta. Most importantly get plenty of rest.

How to prevent it 

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before and after meal times. Don't rely on alcohol hand gels they won't kill the virus. Disinfect surfaces or objects which may be contaminated. Don't share towels/flannels. Avoid eating raw, or unwashed products. Also if you are eating oysters choose one from a reliable place as they carry around the norovirus with them. Avoid cooking/making meals for others

When should you seek out medical advice?

If the symptoms have seemed to not have dissappeared after the time period of two days then it's better to seek some medical advice. Maybe by calling 111 would be the better option as you don't want to spread anything, by going to the GP. 

Also, if you are not drinking enough and have passing dehydration and feeling any of the following:

Dizziness, Reduced consciousness, Small passing of urine or none at all. If this is the case it is definitely recommended to get some advice.

If you, or the person who has norovirus has a serious medical condition such as a kidney disease then it would definitely be sensible to seek out medical advice as soon as possible.