Public urged to stay home as norovirus cases continue to rise

Anyone with norovirus has been advised to stay home

Norovirus is an extremely contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.

People may also suffer from a slight fever, headaches, and painful stomach cramps.

Aching limbs are another rare symptom.

The HSE has noted an increase in cases in recent weeks and is urging anyone displaying signs of the virus to stay at home.

They issued a public warning:

"Norovirus, a very common cause of gastroenteritis, is currently circulating at high levels in the community, and these levels are likely to continue for the next number of weeks.

"Norovirus (the winter vomiting bug), which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly infectious and easily spread by close contact between people."

The peak season for Norovirus is between December and April, but the HSE confirmed cases are circulating at high levels in the community this month.

There is no cure for norovirus, but symptoms tend to ease after two to three days.

You can take paracetamol to ease symptoms and drink plenty of fluids.

The HSE stressed that all you can do is let the virus run its course, but staying home is essential.

"You are most infectious from when your symptoms start until 48 hours after all your symptoms have passed.

"You may also be infectious for a short time before and after this."

Resting at home until you're no longer contagious is vital to help prevent norovirus from spreading.