Doctor reveals SIX key symptoms of norovirus to look out for

A doctor has revealed the six key symptoms of norovirus to look out for as we enter into the colder, darker months of the year. In recent weeks, norovirus cases have been high according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The UKHSA releases regular reports detailing the number of norovirus cases. In the past few reports, norovirus levels have been more than double the five-season average for the same two-week period and flu cases have been steadily rising too.

Government agency UKHSA’s five-season average is a benchmark that calculates the average rates of illnesses over the past five seasons to provide a standard for comparing current seasonal trends in public health.

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Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily in public places like hospitals, schools and care homes. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated objects and surfaces.

Dr John Burke, medical officer at AXA Health, shared his expertise on how to prevent the spread of Norovirus and what symptoms to be aware of.

He said: “Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected. Often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other.”

The six key symptoms of norovirus are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• High temperature
• Headaches
• Exhaustion

To avoid spreading or catching norovirus:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, be particularly careful after using the toilet and before preparing and eating food
• Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly if someone in your household has the virus
• Stay at home if you have symptoms of norovirus to prevent spreading it to other people
• Wash laundry in hot water to kill any virus lingering on clothing or bedding

How do you treat norovirus?

The best thing to do to treat norovirus is to rest and drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration. You should start to feel better in two or three days.

Dr Burke said: “Try and keep your meals bland whilst you're unwell with Norovirus, to avoid further upsetting your stomach. If you are struggling to keep food down, try small amounts of easily digestible foods such as toast and crackers.

“With any illness that causes sickness, it’s really important to maintain fluid levels whilst unwell to prevent dehydration. Our bodies lose a lot of fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea therefore, you must be regularly drinking clear fluids and electrolytes when you are unwell with Norovirus.

“When infected with norovirus, rest is essential for a quick recovery. It’s best to ensure that you are giving your body adequate time (a minimum of 48 hours) to rest and recover from the virus before returning back to work or school.“

The first vaccine for norovirus is currently being trialled in the UK, and offers hope for the future against the highly contagious winter stomach bug.