Parents beat the bug sweeping the UK

Handy hints to help you tackle Norovirus


With the first full working week of 2008 underway and children returning to school, we’re being warned to be extra vigilant with hygiene as the winter bug Norovirus continues to spread across the UK.

Doctors estimate more than 100,000 people are catching the sickness and diarrhoea bug every week and it’s expected to top the 5 million mark before it’s under control.

Due to its virulent nature hospital wards have been closed and Doctors are advising people who are or have been unwell to stay away from work or school. No region is escaping the virus although the worst affected areas are the North West and South West. Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads through either contaminated food and water or the diarrhoea and vomit of ill people. Doctors are urging anyone who has been ill not to visit friends or family until they have been free from the symptoms for at least two days.

To help the nation beat this winter bug, Domestos has these handy hints to ensure you’re not just another casualty of the virus.

1. Hand hygiene is crucial to preventing the spread of Norovirus so wash your hands thoroughly using liquid soap and warm water before preparing food, before eating, after going to the toilet and after touching potentially contaminated items.

2. If someone has been sick cover the vomit immediately. Use gloves and an apron when cleaning it up and disinfect the surface if bleach can be safely used on it.

3. Squirt bleach around the toilet regularly. Keeping the toilet hygienically clean becomes very important when someone in the house has diarrhoea.

4. Use a bleach based cleaner, such as Domestos Bleach Cleaning spray to disinfect surfaces, especially if there is an outbreak of vomiting or diarrhoea in the vicinity.

For more information visit Domestos