Highly contagious winter bug hits UK: Symptoms to spot
A leading physician has raised concerns about severe symptoms as norovirus rapidly spreads across the UK.
In the past two weeks, instances of the highly infectious virus have risen by 30 percent, which is twice the normal rate for this time of year.
With the rise of norovirus cases just before Christmas, Dr. Donald Grant, a general practitioner and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has shared the key symptoms that can cause you to be stuck in bed.
He points out that diarrhea and vomiting are the primary red flags, and both can be quite severe.
Diarrhea and vomiting are key indicators that something is wrong, and both can significantly impact a person's well-being.
He stated, “Some typical side effects are stomach cramps caused by changes in gut activity, a sudden need to use the bathroom, and feeling bloated. Additionally, it can lead to significant dehydration, so it's essential to drink plenty of safe water to help lessen these effects and promote better health.”
Throwing up can impact our bodies in similar ways to diarrhea. Just like with diarrhea, vomiting can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes, which makes it important to replenish fluids to feel better swiftly. Generally, healthy individuals tend to recover eventually, but this can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. So, I suggest getting immediate medical help if symptoms become more severe.
It would be prudent for people in Britain to pay attention to this guidance.
Norovirus is thought to lead to about 200,000 fatalities every year around the globe, with around a quarter of those being young children under five years old. In the UK, it is believed to result in roughly 56 to 80 deaths each year.
The highly infectious winter virus can be even more challenging than other respiratory infections like the flu.
Dr. Ashwin Sharma from the online pharmacy MedExpress explains that norovirus specifically affects the digestive system.
Moreover, many individuals believe that just because they're feeling better, they can no longer spread the illness, but that's a misconception.
Many individuals may still be able to spread the illness for up to two weeks or even longer after their symptoms have disappeared.
Reducing your alcohol intake can help protect you from getting sick.
What Can We Do About This?
Dr. Hilary suggests that following five key tips could help you stay safe and avoid becoming a casualty of an overwhelmed healthcare system.
He suggests the following:
Reduce your alcohol consumption.
It’s well-known that too much alcohol can harm the immune system and raise the chances of falls and accidents, particularly as we age. Consuming alcohol in moderation can support better balance and coordination, thereby lowering the risk of unfortunate events.
Being conscious of how much alcohol you drink can also enhance your overall health and well-being. This way, you can participate in social events without the danger of harming yourself.
Warming up only a single room in your home can help you stay cozy while decreasing your energy costs. However, it's crucial to maintain a temperature above 18°C in that room. During a particularly cold spell, it's vital to stay warm inside and wear several layers of clothing.
Having a good supply of warm beverages and soups in a thermos, along with maintaining a consistent eating schedule, can help generate warmth inside your body and keep your energy up.
Stay indoors if the weather is icy or snowy to reduce the risk of slipping and getting hurt. If you do need to go outside, make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a warm scarf.
When you're uncertain, try giving yourself a test.
Many of us adopted this practice during the pandemic, and it's essential to continue as the weather gets colder. As it becomes more challenging to secure quick appointments with our general practitioners, making self-monitoring a regular part of our routine through at-home testing is a smart move.
Getting tested for illnesses like the flu and COVID can lead to quicker diagnoses. However, it's just as important to check for other health issues that aren't specific to the winter months, like your digestive health, kidney function, and iron levels. This proactive approach helps you maintain your overall health. Don't forget to keep your vaccinations current, too!
As winter draws near, it's important to receive your flu shot and keep your COVID booster vaccinations current. These vaccines play a vital role in protecting against serious illnesses, particularly with the ongoing challenge of a ‘triple-demic,' which involves a spike in respiratory infections such as RSV, flu, and COVID.
The British Medical Association has cautioned that this winter could be particularly challenging for the NHS. Keeping up with your vaccinations not only safeguards your health but could potentially save your life as well.
It's important to ensure you get seven to eight hours of good sleep every night, particularly in winter, to keep your health in check. Not getting enough sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick.
Setting a regular sleep pattern and developing a calming routine before bed can improve the quality of your sleep, helping your body better cope with the difficulties that come with winter. If you're having trouble sleeping, think about checking for thyroid problems or vitamin shortages using at-home kits available in Newfoundland.
