Ways you can ease symptoms of winter vomiting bug (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ways you can ease symptoms of winter vomiting bug

8:00am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Local news

This week, Ashley Cohen, co-owner of Ilkley Moor Pharmacy, writes about the norovirus that has now laid low more than a million people...

There has been huge coverage over the last few weeks regarding the winter vomiting bug.

The most common cause is a virus called norovirus. Norovirus is infectious. This means you can get it from coming into contact with an infected person, or touching infected surfaces like door handles or toilets. Anyone can get norovirus. But outbreaks are more common in enclosed spaces like nurseries, schools, hospitals and care homes. Norovirus usually is a mild condition and you’re likely to make a full recovery within two or three days.

If you have the bug, these steps should help ease your symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.
• If you feel like eating, eat foods that are easy to digest.
• Stay at home and don’t go to the doctor, because norovirus is contagious and there is nothing the doctor can do while you have it.
• Adults can also take rehydration drinks, available from pharmacies and help provide the correct balance of salt, sugar and minerals for your body.
• Contact your GP if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness.

Extra care should be taken to prevent babies and small children who are vomiting or have diarrhoea from dehydrating, by giving them plenty of fluids. Babies and young children can still drink milk.

Don’t worry if you are pregnant and you get norovirus: there is no risk to your unborn child.

The following measures help prevent the virus from spreading further:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfectant gels. These are available from your local pharmacy.
• Do not share towels and flannels and disinfect any surfaces an infected person has touched.

Outbreaks in busy places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools are common because the virus can survive for several days on surfaces or objects.

For further information or advice, contact Ilkley Moor Pharmacy on (01943) 604206. We are open seven days a week, and until 11pm Monday to Saturday. A registered pharmacist is available to help.