Norovirus
Norovirus, better known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. Each year norovirus will infect between 600 000 and 1 million people. It can strike all year round, but is more common in winter and in crowded places such as hotels and schools. The most important thing to remember is that if you have norovirus, please stay inside. Although not dangerous, it is contagious and spreads very easily.
Symptoms
The first sign of norovirus is usually a sudden sick feeling followed by forceful vomiting and watery diarrhea. Some people may also have:
- a raised temperature (over 38C/100.4F)
- headaches
- stomach cramps
- aching limbs
Symptoms usually appear one to two days after you become infected but they can start sooner. Most people make a full recovery within a couple of days. Apart from the risk of dehydration, the illness is not generally dangerous and there are usually no long-lasting effects from having norovirus. However, it can be pretty unpleasant while you have it.
Dehydration
The main risk from norovirus is dehydration from your body losing water and salts from vomiting and diarrhea. The first sign of dehydration is thirst. Other symptoms are:
- dizziness or light-headedness
- headache
- tiredness
- dry mouth, lips and eyes
- dark, concentrated urine
- passing only small amounts of urine (fewer than three or four times a day)
Mild dehydration is common and can be easily reversed by making sure you have plenty to drink. Dehydration is more of a risk in the very young and the elderly. It's important that you get medical attention straight away if you think your child is becoming dehydrated.
Treatment
It's best to let the illness run its course and your body usually fights off the infection within a couple of days. You don't need to see a doctor. It is important to have plenty to drink and try to eat foods that are easy to digest, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread. Babies should continue with their normal feeds.
To reduce the risk of passing the virus onto others, wash your hands regularly and stay at home until you are clear of symptoms for 48 hours.
Rehydration drinks
If you are worried that you are becoming dehydrated, your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to take rehydration drinks. You can buy sachets of rehydration salts from your pharmacy and add them to water. They provide the correct balance of water, salt and sugar for your body.
Not all rehydration drinks are suitable for children, so check with your GP or pharmacist if the ones you have are.
If your symptoms continue for more than three days or you feel severely dehydrated at any time, get medical help immediately.
You should be clear of symptoms for 48 hours before returning to work or school.
Top tip: When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhea, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly are especially at risk. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (available from pharmacies), you can reduce the risks of dehydration.
