Rumor 2: Frozen steamed buns are unsafe to eat.In a recent interview, former football player and current pundit, Lars Reinekel, expressed his concern over Arsenal's inability to convert set pieces into goals, highlighting the team's limited chances created during matches. Reinekel's observation sheds light on an aspect of Arsenal's gameplay that has raised questions among fans and analysts alike.
A burden has been lifted off Lora Wood’s shoulders. Lora Wood was one of 39 people who had non-violent convictions pardoned by President Joe Biden on Dec. 12, 2024. For 20 years, the 39-year-old Maxwell, Nebraska resident has been living under the pall of having been convicted of a felony. That limited her career opportunities. It also made her unable to own a firearm, which, as a livestock farmer, created difficulty at times. Wood was one of 39 people who had their non-violent convictions pardoned by U.S. President Joe Biden on Thursday. Biden also commuted the sentences of close to 1,500 people. Wood’s pardon stems from 2004, when she pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Wood said when she was 19, she got involved with the wrong guy. Wood served one year in federal prison in Illinois and four years under supervised release as part of her plea agreement. Today, Wood said she's happy; living with her husband, Jeremy, and two children. She works as a graphic designer for Pro Printing and Graphics — a printing company owned by her mother-in-law in North Platte — and spends time on the farm. Having been clean for 20 years, Wood remains active in the community. She volunteers helping animals through Paws-itive Partners Humane Society in North Platte. With the humane society, she has organized pet food fundraisers, including Woofstock, an event where people can come with their dogs to a carnival-like atmosphere. She also works with therapy dogs. Wood began applying for a pardon five years ago. As part of her application process, the Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed her, her family and her employers both present and past. When she got the call on Wednesday, she was moved to tears. “I was really excited,” she said. “This has been one of those things where you don’t have any information. It just came out of the blue.” In a press release, the White House noted Wood’s steady employment and volunteer service. The White House added Wood has been praised for her work ethic and devotion to her children. Although it does not expunge Wood’s conviction, she believes the pardon will give her better job opportunities and access to a firearm, which she said would come in handy if she needs to put down a sick pig at her and her husband’s farm. “Trying to put down a pig without a gun is a very difficult process,” Wood said. “We have to call neighbors to do it for us.” She also said the pardon would allow her to visit nursing homes to help comfort residents with a therapy dog. Wood said her drug conviction prevented her from doing that. Wood is thankful her pardon will now allow her to put a dark chapter of her past behind her. “It’s definitely lifted a burden off my shoulders,” she said. “I can move forward and basically never have to think about it again.” A few snowflakes rest on a hand rail at the Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. Watie White prepares to hang the portraits he drew for an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Watie White poses for a portrait holding some potraits he drew that will hang in an exhibit inside the carriage house at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Creighton's Pop Isaacs (2) goes up for a 3-pointer s head coach Greg McDermott motions in the background during the second half of a men's college basketball game against Kansas at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. Creighton players react as they are unveiled on the NCAA Volleyball Tournament bracket during a watch party at DJ's Dugout in Omaha on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. Damany Rahn, CEO of the Heart Ministry Center, poses for a portrait at FRESH Floral in Omaha on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. FRESH Floral helps support the Heart Ministry Center, a nonprofit that aims to provide food, healthcare and a way forward for people affected by poverty. The Omaha World-Herald 2024 All-Nebraska Volleyball Team, from left, Lincoln Lutheran's Keri Leimbach, Norris' Anna Jelinek, Papillion-La Vista South's Charlee Solomon, Omaha Skutt's Addison West, Fremont's Mattie Dalton, Omaha Westside's Ashlyn Paymal and Grand Island's Tia Traudt photographed at Steelhouse Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Siblings Aria, 9, and Apollo Taylor, 6, hold out alfalfa for a Camille, a camel from Scatter Joy Acres during the annual Christmas in the Village in Omaha on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Chinese Manufacturer Kamos LPDDR5 6400Mbps Memory Sent for Sample Debugging, Based on SK Hynix Wafer IntegrationLiverpool Player Reveals Salah's True State Amid Contract Dispute: Always Been Happy in the TeamIn recent years, Barcelona has made concerted efforts to tap into the Asian market, with the establishment of academies and partnerships in countries such as Japan, China, and South Korea. The signing of Son Heung-min would further strengthen Barcelona's appeal in Asia and help solidify their position as one of the biggest and most popular football clubs in the region.
The act of Xiang Zuo cutting Xiaohua's hair symbolizes more than just a physical transformation. It represents a moment of vulnerability and trust between friends, where one person selflessly gives of their time and skills to uplift another. It speaks to the essence of true friendship - being there for each other in times of need, offering a listening ear, and showing support in ways that go beyond material wealth or status.Best Beginnings families automatically eligible for more public benefitsIn conclusion, Manchester City's recent woes have raised serious questions about their ability to compete at the highest level and the future of their manager, Pep Guardiola. The once-mighty team now finds itself in a position of vulnerability, with their dreams of European glory fading fast. Guardiola must now prove his worth and guide his team through this turbulent period, or risk facing the consequences of failure. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but only time will tell if Manchester City can rise from the ashes and reclaim their former glory.
Downingtown East’s Brianna Litvan, the 2024 Daily Local News Girls Tennis Player of the Year, won the Ches-Mont National Division singles title this fall, finished second at District 1 3A singles tourney and placed fourth at PIAA 3A singles championships – and she’s only a freshman. “What sums up Brianna, to me, is ‘heart’ — in many ways,” said Downingtown East girls tennis head coach Lisa Sheldon. “She plays tennis with a sheer joy for the sport, she had a great time getting to know her teammates, and with each match she courageously fought for every point.” One of the toughest [...]By BARBARA ORTUTAY, AP Technology Writer Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. Nearly three-quarters said they visit YouTube every day. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. This small decline could be due to pandemic-era restrictions easing up and kids having more time to see friends in person, but it’s not enough to be truly meaningful . X saw the biggest decline among teenage users. Only 17% of teenagers said they use X, down from 23% in 2022, the year Elon Musk bought the platform. Reddit held steady at 14%. About 6% of teenagers said they use Threads, Meta’s answer to X that launched in 2023. The report comes as countries around the world are grappling with how to handle the effects of social media on young people’s well-being. Australia recently passed a law banning kids under 16 from social networks, though it’s unclear how it will be able to enforce the age limit — and whether it will come with unintended consequences such as isolating vulnerable kids from their peers. Related Articles Erwin Chemerinsky: The TikTok court case has staggering implications for free speech in America 'Technical issue' causes massive outage to Facebook, Instagram, other Meta apps TikTok files challenge against Canadian government order to dissolve its business in the country Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling California to consider requiring mental health warnings on social media sites Meta’s messaging service WhatsApp was a rare exception in that it saw the number of teenage users increase, to 23% from 17% in 2022. Pew also asked kids how often they use various online platforms. Small but significant numbers said they are on them “almost constantly.” For YouTube, 15% reported constant use, for TikTok, 16% and for Snapchat, 13%. As in previous surveys, girls were more likely to use TikTok almost constantly while boys gravitated to YouTube. There was no meaningful gender difference in the use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Roughly a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens said they visit TikTok almost constantly, compared with just 8% of white teenagers. The report was based on a survey of 1,391 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024.
Despite this unfortunate turn of events, the discounted ticket price of 9.9 yuan continues to attract a steady stream of visitors to the bathhouse. Many patrons have praised the center for providing an affordable and accessible way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a traditional Chinese bathing experience. The center's unique combination of hot springs, sauna rooms, and massage services has also garnered positive reviews from satisfied customers.
An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident that has the animal's owner fuming, but that local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident that has the animal's owner fuming, but that local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident that has the animal’s owner fuming, but that local police are describing as a sad mix-up. The shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard, said Timothy Labrie, chief of police in Northbridge, Massachusetts. The animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it, he said. The officer then further examined the animal and saw that it had a flea collar and was a pet dog and not a coyote, Labrie said. Authorities then located the dog’s owner, he said. The dog’s owner, Kirk Rumford of Northbridge, said the dog was a husky named Odin that was less than a year old. Rumford said he felt non-lethal methods could have been used, and that his dog doesn’t resemble a coyote. “My dog would have been the most gorgeous coyote ever, on steroids,” Rumford said. “It’s huge compared to that. Look at pictures of what a coyote looks like in Massachusetts and my dog. My dog was beautiful. He looked like a wolf if anything, and there are no wolves in Massachusetts.” Rumford said he has received an outpouring of support from the community, and he hopes his story will help prevent further encounters between dogs and authorities. He described Odin as “a knucklehead” and a “loveable klutz” who had a loving disposition and loved to play with other dogs. Labrie said it was reasonable for the animal control officer to mistake the dog for a coyote, and the officer will not be disciplined. Dog owners can prevent these kind of mix-ups by keeping their dogs secure, Labrie said. “We do have leash laws. At the end of the day if you can keep your fenced-in areas secure, keep an eye on your dog, do whatever methods that you can use to keep your dog in your yard,” Labrie said. “And also if your dog tends to wander in the woods, I would definitely have identifying markers on them.” The shooting happened as communities around Massachusetts and elsewhere in the country have seen an uptick in interactions between people and coyotes. One town, Nahant, moved to become the first in the state to contract with the federal government to kill coyotes after residents said the animals killed pets and posed a dangerous nuisance. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Some scientists have said coyotes in the Eastern states have begun displaying increasingly wolflike traits as they have carved out a position near the top of the food chain. They are also hard to control. Remington Moll, an assistant professor of natural resources at University of New Hampshire, led a study published in Ecography this month that said it is possible hunting coyotes doesn’t decrease their abundance, and can actually play a role in increasing it. “Intensive coyote removal can obviously reduce populations in the short-term, but removal can also result in younger coyote populations with higher reproduction and immigration rates,” Moll said in a statement. Northbridge, a town of about 16,000 people about 43 miles west of Boston, has had its share of interactions between people and coyotes, Labrie said. The animal control officer who shot the dog was a veteran officer who had had many encounters with coyotes over the years, Labrie said. “We’ve definitely seen a little bit of an uptick in coyote calls,” Labrie said. “What’s causing it, I don’t know.” Advertisement AdvertisementMeanwhile, Lucas Silva's twin brother, Marcelo Silva, also enjoyed a successful career in football, carving out a name for himself as a skilled midfielder with a keen eye for goal. The two brothers shared a special bond both on and off the field, supporting each other through the highs and lows of their respective careers.
Moreover, it is crucial for fathers to recognize that their teenage daughters are individuals with their own thoughts, feelings, and boundaries. Overstepping these boundaries can erode trust and strain the parent-child relationship. Building mutual respect and open communication is key to fostering a healthy dynamic between fathers and their teenage daughters.The stock market has been hitting new highs this year as excitement continues to build with respect to artificial intelligence (AI) and the opportunities that may open up for many businesses. But while retail investors have been eagerly buying up stocks, Warren Buffett has been fairly quiet and doing more selling than buying. The Oracle of Omaha has cautioned investors in the past "to be fearful when others are greedy," which reflects his overall cautious approach to investing. Minimizing losses are a priority for him, and AI likely wouldn't fall into his circle of competence, which is what he focuses on when deciding which stocks to buy. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Wake up with Breakfast news in your inbox every market day. Sign Up For Free » Should investors take Buffett's conservatism in the markets this year as a red flag? Valuations are high based on historical levels In the third quarter, Buffett continued selling stocks, and Berkshire Hathaway 's cash balance reached more than $325 billion, which is higher than the nearly $277 billion it reported a quarter earlier. He has been selling shares of Apple and Bank of America for multiple periods, two top holdings in the Berkshire portfolio, and hasn't been making big moves with that money, resulting in a growing cash balance. But given how expensive the stock market has become these days, it's perhaps little wonder that he's taking a cautious position. One metric investors should pay close attention to is the S&P 500 Shiller price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which averages inflation-adjusted earnings over the past decade. Today, the ratio is well above what it has averaged since 2000. The previous times it has been this high, there have been significant declines in the market the following year. The Shiller P/E ratio was higher in 2021. The following year, in 2022, the S&P 500 would crash by more than 19%. In the early 2000s, the market underwent a significant dot-com crash due to the tech bubble. Many value-oriented investors may be concerned that the same could be happening with AI stocks today; many of them are trading at egregious multiples. Shareholders of Palantir Technologies , for example, don't seem to be balking at its massive earnings multiple of more than 300. A value-focused option for investors to consider Even if you're worried about valuations or the possibility of a crash in the markets, it may not necessarily mean that you should sell all of your stocks and pull all of your money out. If a correction takes place, some stocks will inevitably be hit much harder than others. Stocks trading at more reasonable valuations could weather the storm better than stocks which are at obscene multiples. Meanwhile, trying to time the market and waiting for ideal investing conditions is not an optimal strategy as it could result in you missing out on gains along the way. An alternative for investors is to consider an exchange-traded fund (ETF) which prioritizes value investments. A good example of that is the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares (NYSEMKT: VTV) . The fund has a low expense ratio of 0.04% and tracks the U.S. Large Cap Value index. With the average holding in the ETF averaging an earnings multiple of just over 20, investors are getting exposure to more attractively priced stocks than the overall S&P 500 index, which is averaging a multiple of nearly 26. The top holding in the Vanguard fund is Buffett's own Berkshire Hathaway, but at just 3% of the fund's weight, it doesn't represent a huge chunk of the overall portfolio. Investors will also get access to many other blue chip stocks with the ETF, including UnitedHealth Group and Home Depot . Historically, the fund has underperformed the S&P 500, but in a possible downturn, it could be the better buy, especially given how expensive many growth stocks are right now. Investors should prepare for a possible correction Timing the market is risky, but what can be even riskier is holding stocks which trade at extremely high premiums because they can be vulnerable to a sell-off at a moment's notice. When stocks are highly valued, expectations will also be high, and any sign that a company could face difficulty could prompt investors to hit the sell button. It doesn't have to be a bad earnings report, as corrections could happen at any time investors start to smell trouble ahead. That's why it's important to consider valuations and potentially move money into cheaper stocks which may not only provide more protection during a downturn but may possess more upside in the long run. And if you aren't sure which stocks to buy or sell, a good option is to consider the Vanguard Value ETF or similar types of investments which prioritize value stocks. Don’t miss this second chance at a potentially lucrative opportunity Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $380,291 !* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $43,278 !* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $484,003 !* Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. See 3 “Double Down” stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of November 18, 2024 Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway, Home Depot, Palantir Technologies, and Vanguard Index Funds-Vanguard Value ETF. The Motley Fool recommends UnitedHealth Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy . Warren Buffett Is Being Fearful When the Markets Are Being Greedy. Is This a Red Flag for Investors? was originally published by The Motley FoolNicholas Hoult and Bryana Holly Make Red Carpet Debut at “Nosferatu” Premiere After 7 Years Together
In recent weeks, reports have emerged suggesting that Manchester United are open to the idea of selling Pogba in order to address the discipline issues within the squad. The decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing sadness at the prospect of losing a player of Pogba's caliber, while others believe that his departure could be beneficial in the long run.Furthermore, there have been reports suggesting that the U.S. government is considering removing the terrorist designation of certain groups in Syria to facilitate negotiations and peace talks. This move has been met with both praise and criticism, with supporters arguing that it could help promote dialogue and reconciliation in the region, while opponents warn of the risks of legitimizing groups with violent ideologies.
Title: Netizens Spread Black Myths About Pepsi Coke Collaboration: "Once I'm Out, Only Coke Shall Be Poured!"
As investors continue to monitor the market closely and seize opportunities for profitable investments, the bullish trend is likely to persist, further bolstering market confidence and fueling a positive outlook for the stock market in the days ahead. The momentum generated by the simultaneous surge of 100 stocks hitting their daily limit-up thresholds is a clear indicator of the market's upward trajectory and the potential for sustained growth.JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support. Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website. or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527. Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia’s decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy’s dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country’s General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix’s platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it’s not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry’s evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.” Advertisement Advertisement
Analysis: Win or lose at UNC, Belichick's NFL legacy cementedMoreover, Russia's economic woes and the impact of Western sanctions have further weakened its position in the Middle East. The decline in global oil prices and the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have forced Moscow to scale back its financial and military commitments in the region, limiting its ability to project power and influence events on the ground. As a result, Russia's role in the Middle East has become increasingly marginalized, with other actors such as the United States, Turkey, and Iran taking center stage in regional politics and security affairs.
Former Vice President of Anhui Provincial Hospital, Liu Yusheng, Under Investigation for Suspected Serious Violations of Discipline and LawTHE NHS has issued a "stay home" warning as cases of norovirus surge - and common protection won't work. The contagious stomach bug spreads easily through close contact and eating food prepared by infected people - a stomach-turning prospect as families gathered together for festivities. Cases of norovirus surged by 33.2 per cent in the two weeks between November 18 and December 1, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. The total amount of infections reported was more than double the number of cases usually seen at this time of year - amounting to an 114 per cent increase. Now the NHS provided an update to social media on Friday. It advised: "Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. read more health "It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. If you catch it; stay home, rest and have plenty of fluids." Common symptoms of the dreaded bug include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Often accompanied with these symptoms is a high fever, headaches, and limb pains. These tend to appear one or two days after infection. Most read in Health The key guidance also stresses the importance of avoiding work or school until those affected are symptom-free for 48 hours. This is especially important without vomiting or diarrhoea due to the contagious nature of the virus in this timeframe. It is also recommended to stay away from hospitals and care homes to prevent any more spreading of the virus. The NHS has also stressed the importance of hand washing with soap and water to stop norovirus from spreading. Alcohol-based sanitisers aren't effective against it, which is important to note. The virus can usually be managed at home with enough rest and hydration. However it's advised to call 111 if you're concerned about a baby under one years old. Why are norovirus cases rising? UKHSA said multiple factors could be behind the surge in norovirus cases, including the increased use of PCR multiplex technology for testing - which is capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test - as well as changes to the bug after the Covid-19 pandemic . The health watchdog also noted "the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype" dubbed GII.17 . So far into the 2024/2025 norovirus season, a whopping 89 per cent of samples belonged to norovirus genogroup 2 (GII). Of these, 66.3 per cent of cases were attributed to the GII.17 genotype. "An increase of this variant has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored," UKHSA noted. "At present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness." The health watchdog said there were probably more norovirus cases than data indicates. "Lab reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases," UKHSA explained. "It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases." How can I treat norovirus? Norovirus symptoms tend to inclue nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. But sufferers can also be struck with a high temperature, stomach pain and aching limbs. People can be at risk of dehydration after getting infected with norovirus, especially young children and older or immunocompromised people. If you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time, to replenish those lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. Symptoms tend to strike suddenly but you will usually start to feel better within two or three days. READ MORE SUN STORIES It's important that you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is when you're most infectious. If you think you have norovirus, stay hydrated, rest, and eat bland foods when you feel better. Wash hands often, disinfect surfaces, and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms stop. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or prolonged. When it comes to treatment, focus on staying hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks. Rest as much as possible. Eat bland foods like toast or crackers, rice, pasta. For symptom relief, consult your doctor about over-the-counter options. Symptoms should go away in one to three days. If you or your child experiences the following, you should call 999 or go to A&E: vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee have green vomit (adults) have yellow-green or green vomit (children) might have swallowed something poisonous have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache Source: Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, Lecturer in Microbiology at Teesside University and NHS
