As the number of norovirus cases remain high, the public has been urged to avoid hospitals and care homes if experiencing symptoms
Norovirus continues to spread across the UK, with case continuing to be high. For some months now, the public has been asked to help to try to curb the spread by avoiding hospitals and care homes if they are showing symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea.
As with all bugs like this, the best method of stopping its spread is not to put others needlessly at risk to catch it.
Niamh McMillan, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, shared expert advice on spotting early signs and staying protected, saying: “Symptoms of Norovirus can include severe nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Norovirus is the most common type of virus which causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is also referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ due to its prevalence during the colder months, however it can be caught at any time of the year.
“Typically the first signs of norovirus will appear between 12 hours to eight days. Ongoing diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common signs, however you may also experience headaches and lightheadedness.”
How to minimise the spread of norovirus
While it’s difficult to prevent catching norovirus, there are some small steps you can take to minimise the chances and also improve symptoms.
Keep your distance
Niamh explained: “Norovirus can be transmitted by coming into contact with someone suffering from the virus, contaminated surfaces and also food and water so try and keep areas around you clean and disinfected. A person suffering from norovirus is most contagious from the moment they start feeling to at least three days after recovery.”
Wash hands thoroughly
She emphasised the importance of hygiene, saying: “Don’t underestimate the benefit of washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap, for at least 20 seconds. This is particularly important if you’ve been in public areas, for example on public transport or if you’ve touched high-traffic surfaces such as door handles, lift buttons and railings.”
Rest and rehydrate
On the topic of recovery, Niamh advised: “Norovirus can be exhausting, so it’s important to get as much rest as possible. This illness also runs the risk of sufferers becoming dehydrated. Superdrug’s Rehydration Sachets can help replace the essential fluids and salts that are lost through diarrhoea. Paracetamol can also help with aches and pains that can be experienced during norovirus.”
Niamh added that paracetamol, such as Superdrug’s Own Brand Paracetamol, costs as little as 3p per caplet.
Seek medical advice
For those struggling with the illness, Niamh recommended: “Unfortunately there’s no set time frame for the body to get over norovirus and instead you will need to wait for the virus to work itself out of your system. Seek further medical advice if norovirus symptoms worsen, including blood within diarrhoea, high temperature and if you can’t keep fluids down.”