WHILE norovirus still circulates at high levels, a new pill designed to protect against the winter vomiting bug has been undergoing trials.
Just two weeks ago there was a record number of patients in hospital with norovirus in England.
A new norovirus vaccine pill is in the works that’s been shown to offer protection in older people[/caption]
Norovirus hospitalisations have been much higher this year[/caption]
Data from NHS England showed 1,160 patients a day on average were in hospital with the vomiting bug – double the level at the same period last year.
Cases remain high and health chiefs have warned of a potential second wave.
Norovirus isn’t the only illness that’s been circulating at high levels this winter – a quademic of illnesses, that also includes flu, Covid and RSV, has been putting immense pressure on the NHS.
Experts have urged the best way to stay protected is to get vaccinated.
Flu, Covid, and RSV vaccines are available on the NHS for those eligible.
But there are currently no licensed norovirus vaccines in use anywhere in the world.
However, an early trial of a norovirus vaccine pill has shown promise at offering protection in older people, with researchers saying it could potentially be available for use in just a few years.
Sean Tucker and his team at biotech company Vaxart in San Francisco, California previously developed an oral norovirus vaccine that delivers a protein from the GI.1 norovirus variant into the intestine.
An initial trial in adults under 50 found the pill could generate norovirus-specific antibodies in their guts.
Now, the researchers have tested the vaccine in people in the US aged between 55 and 80, New Scientist reports.
A month after participants started taking it, the researchers collected blood and saliva samples.
They found those who took the vaccine had higher levels of IgA antibodies, which can block norovirus from entering cells.
These antibodies were shown to have increased more than 10 times in their blood and around seven times in their saliva, compared to samples taken before vaccination.
The placebo group saw little change in antibody levels.
Also, the antibodies were found to still be present six months later, showing the vaccine could offer lasting immunity.
Sarah Caddy at Cornell University in New York told New Scientist: “The fact that they’ve got this robust antibody makes me hopeful that it could provide protection [against infection].
“In particular, the saliva antibody response is a way we can get a snapshot of what’s happening in the intestine – because the immune responses there are similar.”
While the research team say further work is required, Tucker hopes if everything runs smoothly it could be available in a couple of years.
Symptoms of norvirus to look out for
As scientists continue to work on developing a norovirus vaccine, it’s important to recognise the main symptoms of the virus.
The NHS says the main symptoms usually start suddenly and may include:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- tummy pain
- body aches and pains
As norovirus can spread very easily it’s important to stay at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Also look out for the more serious signs of norovirus that may require a trip to hospital…
How to stop the spread of norovirus
NOROVIRUS is caused by a virus that spreads through poo and can spread to others very easily.
You can catch norovirus from:
- close contact with someone with norovirus
- touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
- eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
- drinking unclean water or infected food
But the NHS recommends some simple things you can do to stop the spread:
- wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
- wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
- clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- avoid contact with others as much as possible
Source: NHS
