The NHS has advised people suffering from norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, to avoid two specific drinks: fizzy drinks and fruit juice. Health experts say these beverages can aggravate diarrhoea, a key symptom of the illness.
Recent statistics show that norovirus cases have risen, although the number of people unwell is typical for this time of year. The virus, which attacks the stomach and intestines, causes vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads quickly in close-contact settings such as hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, schools, and nurseries.
Understanding Norovirus
Although it is known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus can occur throughout the year. It is also referred to as a gastrointestinal virus, gastric flu, or a stomach bug. It is possible to catch norovirus several times in a short period, as different types (or genotypes) of the virus circulate at the same time.
While some immunity may be built up against one specific strain, a person can be infected by another variant soon after. The NHS includes avoiding fruit juice and fizzy drinks in its lengthy advice, as these can make diarrhoea worse.
Prevention and Self-Isolation
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has previously warned: "Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you're feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time." It also stressed that hand sanitiser is ineffective at preventing the illness.
To prevent the virus from spreading, the health service recommends that those with symptoms avoid school, work, hospitals, and care homes for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. The NHS has outlined several steps to help stop the infection spreading, including washing hands with soap and water (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus) after using the toilet or changing nappies, avoiding contact with others as much as possible, and washing clothes and bedding that has faeces or vomit on it at a 60C wash separately from other laundry.
Additional advice includes washing hands with soap and water before preparing, serving, or eating food, cleaning toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and bathroom door handles, and not going to school, nursery, or work until there has been no sickness or diarrhoea for two days. People are also advised not to visit others in hospitals or care homes until symptoms have ceased for two days.
Recognising Symptoms and Seeking Help
According to the NHS, norovirus symptoms can appear "suddenly" and usually include feeling sick, being sick, and diarrhoea. Other possible symptoms include a high temperature, headache, tummy pain, and body aches. The NHS notes: "It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days."
Should you or your child experience diarrhoea for longer than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should ring 111. The NHS advises: "You can usually treat it at home. You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration."
