Norovirus symptoms come on thick and fast and include projectile vomiting, painful cramps, watery diarrhoea and aching limbs.
A warning has been issued by a healthcare expert about taking ibuprofen to treat a winter vomiting bug.
Savneesh Bhogal has warned about the medication to treat Norovirus which she says should be avoided on an empty stomach. Instead she recommends taking paracetamol for the illness which is on the increase in the UK. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness and infections have risen 29% in the last month says the NHS. Health chiefs say, you’re likely to have norovirus if you experience suddenly feeling sick, projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Other sufferers report a slight fever with headaches, painful stomach cramps and aching limbs also among the symptoms. The sins to be aware of appear one to two days after you become infected and last for up to 2 or 3 days.
Savneesh Bhogal, a healthcare expert at Virtual College by Netex – has given the best ways to treat the bug, including common errors to avoid if yiu have it.
Taking ibuprofen not paracetamol
She says: “There is no treatment for norovirus so you have to let it run its course. However, you can take over the counter medication, to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the illness.
“For norovirus, paracetamol is the best method as it will help to relieve aches and pains, including headaches and stomach ache, as well as helping to keep a temperature down. Avoid taking ibuprofen, as this shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach – and you may not feel like eating.
“While ibuprofen shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach, as it can unsettle the lining, paracetamol is safe to do so.” But she also warned those with certain health conditions should be aware of taking paracetamol.
She said: “Just make sure to avoid taking paracetamol if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it – or have liver or kidney problems.”
According to NHS data, Norovirus infections increased by 29% between September 23 and October 6, which is two times as fast as the virus usually spreads at this time of year. Sufferers have said that they felt ‘worse than they’ve ever felt’, while others who have contracted the nasty virus have said the symptoms were ‘harrowing’.
A nurse has shared three things that you can do to stop Norovirus spreading.
NHS Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Christine Woodgate said in a TikTok video: “If you are feeling or being sick, have diarrhoea or have a temperature, headache, or aching in your arms or legs, it could be norovirus.”
If you suspect you have norovirus, you should stay off work and school “until you’ve not had diarrhoea or vomiting for two days,” Woodgate explained. “Do not visit care homes or hospitals during this time,” she added.
