The 7 things you must do as norovirus cases spike – from isolating to avoiding key foods

CASES of a vile winter vomiting bug that strikes suddenly have climbed steadily in recent weeks.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency showed some 1,653 people in England had fallen victim to norovirus in the year up to November 26 – seven per cent higher case numbers normally seen at this time of year.

Norovirus is a nasty winter bug that can cause vomiting and diarrhoeaGetty – Contributor

Meanwhile, health bosses have warned that the number of people in hospital with norovirus and other winter illnesses is “creeping up” ahead of Christmas.

The bug spreads super easily and can become more a concern as people mingle more towards the holidays.

Jamie Winn, medical director at Universal Drugstore, explained: “Norovirus is a highly contagious virus which leads to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, causing unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.

“While you can catch norovirus at any point throughout the year, there is often a spike in infections during the winter months due to the increase in time spent indoors, in closer proximity to more people.

“This, alongside our weakened immune systems in the winter, can lead to an increase in transmissions of the virus and a spike in infection.”

Symptoms can come on suddenly and intensely, but tend run their course within a few days.

Dr Winn said: “Once coming into contact with the virus it can take anywhere from twelve hours to two days for symptoms to develop, and lasts an average of three days for the majority of healthy adults.”

Though the bug can be particularly nasty to catch, the medical expert said there are a few ways to stop your symptoms getting worse.

From how long to isolate for to foods you should avoid in the throes of symptoms, here are seven tips for dealing with the winter vomiting bug tearing through the UK.

1. Isolate

Norovirus is super transmissible, so the best thing you can do when you get it is isolate from other people – not that you’d want to see anyone when suffering from bouts of diarrhoea and projectile vomiting.

“Due to how contagious the virus is you should isolate yourself and stay off work and school until you have a full 24 hours without any symptoms,” Dr Winn said.

“This will prevent you from transmitting it to anyone else.”

The NHS recommends staying off work and keeping your child away from school until you or they haven’t been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.

2. Stay hydrated

“The main symptoms of Norovirus are severe diarrhoea and vomiting, which means that you lose fluids at an extreme rate,” Dr Winn went on.

This makes dehydration a risk – but there are a few ways to keep it at bay.

“Making sure you are drinking enough water is vital so as to replace electrolytes and fluids,” according to the medical director.

He suggested getting your hands on rehydration sachets to do this.

“We recommend taking small sips of water every 10 minutes or so to see if your stomach can handle it because drinking too much too quickly will lead to further vomiting.

“If you find yourself able to keep down little sips, gradually increase how often you take them,” Dr Winn advised.

3. Rest as much as you can

Norovirus can last two or three days and sadly, the only thing you can do “is to let it run its course”, Dr Winn said.

“Resting will not only help you feel more energised once the symptoms have eased, but can also prevent symptoms such as dehydration from worsening,” he added.

4. Wash your hands

It’s super important that you regularly wash your hands.

Hand sanitiser just won’t do the job of killing the germs on your hands so it’s important you use soap and warm water every time.

You should also be wiping down any surfaces you use or come into contact with to remove any germs and reduce the risk of further transmitting the virus.

“This is especially important if you share a house with other people and use communal areas,” Dr Winn emphasised.

5. The foods to avoid

“Spicy, greasy and dairy-based products can exacerbate digestive discomfort,” Dr Winn warned, so it’s best to steer well clear of these when you’re suffering from norovirus.

“Stick to bland, plain food such as dry toast or crackers,” the medical expert advised.

But avoiding dehydration should be the focus.

“You may find that you have no appetite at all during the first 24 hours, so really focus on keeping down enough fluid,” Dr Winn added.

6. Take painkillers

Aside from feeling and being sick, you might also develop a temperature and an achy head and limbs when you’re infected with the nasty bug.

“If you develop a fever, take some anti-fever medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to help ease the discomfort,” Dr Winn advised.

7. Know when to seek help

“Most norovirus cases do not require medical attention, and due to how contagious the virus is you should refrain from going to the hospital or the doctor,” the medical expert said.

“However, if you are becoming severely dehydrated, cannot drink any fluids or have a high temperature for an extended period of time, it is important to seek medical attention as the virus may be affecting you more severely. 

“Norovirus also affects the elderly, young children and those with an underlying health condition more than the average adult, so make sure to monitor the symptoms closely and be ready to seek medical help if they worsen.”