UK households urged to boil wash clothes and bedding this November
UK households are being urged to boil laundry and bedding this November to fend off a nasty winter bug.
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that can be caught all year round, but it often becomes more common during the colder months as people spend more time indoors, making close contact much easier to spread. According to the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), the virus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, has begun to increase in the UK in recent weeks, so households are urged to be vigilant. The virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, spreads very easily through contaminated food, water and surfaces, direct contact with an infected person, touching contaminated surfaces or eating food prepared by someone with norovirus.
It’s possible to catch norovirus more than once because the bug is constantly changing, meaning your body may not develop a long-term resistance to it, so it’s important to take precautions to reduce your risk of catching it this winter.
Health experts say there are simple steps you can take at home to prevent the spread of the virus; these include washing linen and bedding in boiling water or hot washing at a temperature of at least 60°C; as this will kill any remaining virus particles.
According to electronics brand Beko, it is a good practice to wash sheets by boiling them at least once a week to prevent the spread of insects in homes.
“If you have sensitive skin but your device does not include a dedicated Anti-Allergy program, you should wash your bedding in a hot/boiling 60 degree wash to prevent infections from persisting or spreading,” the statement reads.
Households are also urged not to share towels or flannels and to disinfect surfaces or objects with a bleach-based household cleaner. It is also recommended to wash hands regularly with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus.
In its advice to households to prevent the spread of norovirus, the UKHSA says: “Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding at 60°C using normal washing powder and, if possible, wear disposable gloves when handling contaminated items.
“Disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach-based cleaning products whenever possible, otherwise norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or weeks.”
If you catch norovirus, you should stay away from work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, and avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.
Amy Douglas, Chief Epidemiologist UKHSAHe added: “While norovirus remains at expected levels we are seeing a rise in cases, so please remember the simple steps we can all take to stop the spread of norovirus.
“Currently the highest case rate is in children, so if your child has any symptoms please keep them away from school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
“If you feel unwell, do not go to work or prepare meals for others until 48 hours after your symptoms have ended, and avoid visiting hospitals and care homes to prevent the spread of infection to vulnerable people.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the spread of infections. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so don’t rely on them alone.”
