Dr Sooj, who works for the NHS in Hertfordshire, has provided a useful list of must-haves to help patients suffering amid the fierce norovirus outbreak gripping the UK
An NHS GP has revealed the kitchen cupboard staples we should have our cupboards stacked with as a “highly contagious” illness rips through the UK, and a top tip to help rehydrate poorly children.
Honey, lemon, apple juice, painkillers and throat sprays are on the list of essential home remedies we should all be keeping a stock of as winter bugs make their rounds. Dr Sooj offers a handy checklist of must-haves in the face of a fierce norovirus outbreak that’s currently plaguing the nation.
According to recent NHS figures, there’s been a chilling 29% surge in cases from 23 September to 6 October – a figure that is twice what’s usually expected at this time of year. Dr Sooj advised: “Are you worried about catching this cough/cold/runny nose that seems to be going around everyone at the moment? If so, here are my top tips and home remedies that will help you stay healthy.”
Amid anticipation for festive gatherings, Dr Sooj also issued a stark reminder about simple hygiene practices including air circulation via open windows or doors in crowded spaces, meticulous handwashing, and avoiding facial contact. The GP also cautions against sharing eating utensils with anyone showing signs of illnesses such as coughs or sniffles.
For those hit by the bug, Dr Sooj advises: “Stay well hydrated, as this can soothe your throat, ease congestion and it can prevent dehydration. You can try mixing hot water with apple juice for extra comfort.”
With whooping cough cases surging, Dr Sooj dishes out some top tips for soothing symptoms, reports Surrey Live, saying, “Remember, honey and lemon are great for a sore throat, and whilst lots of people do recommend vitamin C and zinc, studies do show mixed results but it shouldn’t hurt to try them out, [just] don’t rely on them by themselves.”
Dr. Sooj further advised: “Rinsing your nasal passageways and sinuses with saline can clear mucuses but do not use tap water straight from a tap. Either boil and cool it, use sterile saline or distilled water.”
To tackle the pain, especially from a sore throat, Dr Sooj suggests over-the-counter solutions: “A cool mist humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air, and this can ease congestion but make sure to change the water daily and clean the unit as directed to prevent mould growth.”
Plus, he recommends using pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or investing in a humidifier. When choosing a nasal spray, Dr Sooj urges caution: “I do not ever recommend nasal sprays that contain oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, or phenylephrine and things like that. But nasal sprays that contain steroids can be helpful at reducing your symptoms when you’ve had sinusitis or rhinitis for longer than a couple of weeks.”
And what’s his go-to home remedy? Gargling with warm salt water: “This can help to relieve a sore throat and flush out bacteria. It’s particularly good for tonsil and throat infections,” says the knowledgeable doc.
The GP advises that when you sneeze or cough, use a tissue and bin it immediately, then wash your hands. Specifically for norovirus, Doctor Sooj suggests: “Avoid it by trying to isolate if you have it and avoid contact with those who have it, and stay off work/school/university/college until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved. Stay well hydrated: apple juice mixed with water in a 50:50 split is great for preventing dehydration. “.
