WOMAN’S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK
Your get-well plan if norovirus strikes
Stomach in knots and don’t want to move too far from the toilet? Here’s what you need to know about this common virus
It wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘that winter bug’ doing the rounds, and I’m sure I’ll be no stranger to it this year as a GP.
One of the main causes of sickness over the festive period is norovirus – a stomach bug that causes vomiting and/or diarrhoea, often accompanied by a fever, headache and aches and pains. Generally speaking, it’s extremely unpleasant but usually, providing you stay hydrated and are otherwise well, it is short lived.
Norovirus can be passed on by close contact with someone infected or even by touching surfaces or objects with the virus on, then transferring it to your mouth by hand or on food. So the most effective thing you can do to avoid catching it and passing it on is frequent and thorough handwashing and disinfecting of surfaces, especially around infected individuals. Alcohol hand gel of any variety cannot kill norovirus, so it’s back to good old soap and water.
Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to clear the infection or readily available tests in GP surgeries to confirm norovirus. And, as it is a virus, antibiotics will not help.
Once infected, your main aim should be to keep yourself hydrated, which can be a challenge if you are sweating from a fever, repeatedly vomiting and stuck on the loo with constant diarrhoea.
Those who are very young or elderly, or have existing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, are at greater risk of dehydration. Any warning signs (peeing only small amounts, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, sunken eyes and confusion or prolonged symptoms) definitely need medical review. Similarly, you should seek medical advice if there is a severe amount of abdominal
