How to treat a Norovirus infection: Dr Roger explains all about the winter vomiting bug

GP Dr Roger Henderson talked us through the winter vomiting bug

IT'S known by it's less-attractive name 'the winter vomiting bug' but what do we really know about Norovirus?

 

Everyone dreads catching Norovirus and spending several days holed up at home vomiting, but there are ways and means of avoiding it. 

GP Dr Roger Henderson talked NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com through the signs, symptoms and treatments of the vomiting bug - and what to do if a loved one is struck down. 

 

Firstly, he explained Norovirus is the "most common stomach bug in the UK" He explained: "Each year it is estimated that between 600,000 and 1 million people in the UK catch the winter vomiting virus. 

"It's highly contagious, easily spread and can live for days on surfaces like clothing. 

"The virus can be indirectly spread by virus particles (e.g. vomiting) or touching surfaces, objects or onto food contaminated with the virus. Germ hotspots include public transport and cruise ships."

 

Norovirus is easily spread from person to person, and hand-washing is very important

How long does Norovirus last? Dr Roger said: "Symptoms of Norovirus typically appear 12 to 48 hours after infection and include the sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhoea and fever – this will typically last between one to three days.

"The virus particles can be ingested through either your mouth or nose. The virus has a short incubation period and it only takes 12 to 48 hours for symptoms to develop."

Dr Roger explains how to know if you have Norovirus, if it's painful and the cure for the sickness bug. 

Have I got the Norovirus?  

He said: "The viral particles hit the stomach first but it is only when they travel into the small intestine that the virus begins to multiply. It then attaches itself to the cells causing them to explode. This releases more virus particles and the process is repeated. 

"The immune system recognises that cells are dying and as an immune response, antibodies travel to the small intestine and inactivate the virus. This is when your body will start to feel the effects of the virus, i.e. fever and nausea."

What are the symptoms? 

The doctor said: "The virus infection causes the gut to become inflamed or irritated. This irritation leads to vomiting and watery diarrhoea. This is the body’s way of fighting the infection and trying to clear it from the body."

Is it painful? 

Dr Roger said: "It is dehydration rather than the virus itself that can be particularly dangerous in the young and elderly, as this can cause loss of both water and essential minerals. 

 

"It is recommended to take an oral rehydration sachet when you first start to experience symptoms, which can help to replace the sugar, salt and minerals lost to dehydration and speed up the recovery process."

What is the cure? 

He revealed: "There’s no specific cure for norovirus1, however it is dehydration rather than the virus itself that can be particularly dangerous, as this can cause loss of both water and essential minerals. 

"An oral rehydration sachet, such as Dioralyte, is recommended to help the body replace the sugar, salt and minerals lost to dehydration and speed up the recovery process."

If you catch it once, do you build up immunity to catching it again? 

He said: "People can get infected many times during their lifetime as there are many different types of noroviruses. It is possible to develop immunity to a specific type, but it is not known how long this immunity lasts.

 

The virus can leave you vomiting and dehydrated for days without treatment

How can we stop it spreading? 

Importantly, Dr Roger said: "People can still be contagious up to 48 hour after symptoms have stopped. It’s important to follow medical advice to prevent the spread of infection to avoid the virus attacking another person. 

"Make sure you disinfect the toilet and surrounding area after each bout of sickness and diarrhoea, and wash infected bedding and clothing. 

"As well as this, make sure you practice good hand hygiene, avoid eating unwashed or raw food, and avoid sharing towels and flannels."