Sarah's Health Notes: Dealing with Norovirus
Several people messaged me in the last week about norovirus, which is often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’, although an episode involves not just sickness but also diarrhoea, and it can affect people year round.
Checking current Government statistics, I see that rates in England are quite a bit higher than average, after a ‘significant second surge’ in February with a lot of hospital admissions. (Flu cases, by the way, have returned to baseline levels, so it’s probably the end of the flu season.)
I’ve had norovirus twice in the last two years and it is simply horrid, leaving you exhausted during and after an episode. ‘With nothing inside…,’ as one person put it to me. It usually lasts two or three days and can be treated at home. But if you are worried – say it goes on and on, or you see blood in faeces, or it’s affecting a baby or child – do call 111, the NHS helpline.
Norovirus is a highly contagious gastric virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. According to nhs.uk, norovirus ‘spreads through poo’.
Symptoms tend to start suddenly and may include:
feeling sick
being sick
diarrhoea
And also…
high temperature
headache
tummy pain
body aches and pains
You can catch it from:
close contact with someone who has norovirus
touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus
drinking unclean water
General rules for preventing the spread include:
thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after going to the lavatory or changing nappies; NB alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus
and also before preparing, serving or eating food
wash clothing and bedding with poo or vomit on them, on a 60°C wash, separately from other laundry
clean lavatory seats, flush handles/buttons, taps and bathroom door handles with a bleach mix
beware public lavatories - people who leave the seat up may cause the virus and other infections to spread all around: wrap lavatory paper round fingers before putting seat down and unlocking doors etc; then wash your hands really thoroughly after.
If you get norovirus:
until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days, do not go to school, nursery or work and do not visit people in hospital, care homes or anyone who is elderly or vulnerable. People over 65 are particularly vulnerable to norovirus.
dehydration is a major problem so sip plenty of fluids: water, squash, herbal teas (peppermint or ginger are good choices); as you get better, clear broth is good
when you feel like eating again, avoid fatty or spicy foods: choose small amounts of bland foods like plain mashed potato, rice or pasta. I liked the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast – or, for me, gluten-free oatcakes (I’m gluten intolerant).
Supplements can help:
I’ve just asked pharmacist Shabir Daya for his advice for an old friend. His recommendations are below and I have sent the products off to her so cross fingers she feels better very soon.
DoSe Mega Probio, a probiotic supplement with eight acid resistant strains that can reach the gut and remain active even after passing through the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. Take one capsule twice a day. A large part of our immunity arises out of the gut with these ‘good’ bacteria producing antigens to counter any pathogens. This in free from gluten, wheat, dairy, soya, and other allergens.
An electrolyte supplement may be invaluable in maintaining a hydrated body since dehydration can weaken the immune system even at mild levels. Dehydration impairs the body's ability to transport immune cells, reduces the production of lymphocytes that fight infection causing pathogens, and can make the body more susceptible to other infections by causing inflammation. Take Viridian Electrolyte Fix Liquid to relieve dehydration.
Enterosgel sachets, with 30 years of clinical research, work like a sponge through the gut, and may help to bind and remove compounds have caused inflammation and restore healthy bowel movement, also to help abdominal pain.
