Norovirus Outbreak in UK: Boil Wash Your Clothes And Bedding To Prevent Virus Spread

A lot is going on around the world when it comes to diseases and infection. The entire world is struggling with one or more diseases and trying to stop it from spreading rapidly, whether H5N1, the avian flu or the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection. In the UK, it is Norovirus, which is a seasonal infection, children being the main target of the virus. As per the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it has warned that cases of norovirus are at a surge right now, with more and more people falling ill due to extreme cold.

UKHSA has also urged households to boil wash clothing and bedding in January to prevent contagious sickness bug.

How to boil wash your clothes?

UKHSA has asked households to boil wash their clothes and bedding at a temperature of at least 60C. This would kill any virus particles and also stop it from spreading. Experts say that one must boil wash their bedsheets at least once a week to prevent the bugs from spreading.

More so, if you have sensitive skin, however, your appliance does not have the feature especially dedicated for anti-allergy programme, you can boil wash it separately.

Hygiene practices

Household have also been asked to not share towels or flannels and to disinfect surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner. Regular hand washing with soap and water is also recommended as alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that it may be used as an addition to hand washing, but not as a substitute.

The rule to hand washing is to lather your hands, your backs, space between your fingers and under your fingernails, for at least 20 seconds. To time it out, you can also sing "Happy Birthday to You", twice.

Pay attention when you buy a cleaner or disinfectant. As a cleaner only removes dirt and grease, whereas a disinfectant eliminates microorganisms, including viruses like norovirus. To disinfect mattresses, upholstered furniture, or carpet that have been exposed to norovirus, steam-clean them to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes or 212 degrees for one minute.

What Is Norovirus?

It is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. As per the UKHSA, data for the current 2024-25 season in England shows that norovirus laboratory reports are notably higher than the 5-season average.

The data also shows that norovirus typically increases through autumn and into winter, however, this year, an unusual rise has been noticed. The Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) is showing more outbreaks than average.

How do you get the virus?

Anyone can get the virus by accidentally getting particles of virus in your mouth and ingesting it. These particles are from faeces or vomit from infected people, or can be transmitted via contaminated food and water. It could also spread by touching unclean surfaces like door handles or cutlery.

Common Symptoms

• Nausea
• Projectile vomiting
• Watery diarrhea

Usually it lasts for up to 2 days, though for anyone as mentioned above with an existing health condition, or babies who do not yet have a fully developed immune systems, children and older people may be at more risk. If your symptoms are not relieved in 2 days, or it worsens, or you have a serious illness, it is best to consult your doctor.