Home UK Rules Health Public Health Diseases and Conditions › Norovirus Stomach Bug
Winter Vomiting Bug: How to Fight Norovirus

What should you do if you get the norovirus illness? First, learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of norovirus.

NOROVIRUS STOMACH BUG: Then it is even more important to prevent spreading it to other people.

Follow these 7 tips to defeat the norovirus winter vomiting bug (virus).

The public health and wellbeing guide also explains how to reduce the risk of spreading the stomach bug to others.

Norovirus is one of the most widely spread sickness bugs in the United Kingdom. It causes severe diarrhoea and projectile vomiting.

It is often called the winter vomiting and diarrhea virus but in fact you can get it any time of the year. Following a few practical steps will help reduce the risk of getting struck down by norovirus.

The nasty stomach bug is more common in the United Kingdom during the cold months of winter. Norovirus is unpleasant and debilitating but it usually clears up after a few days.

As a rule, defeating norovirus occurs at home. In most cases you can take care of yourself or your child at home.

Going to your GP with norovirus can spread the sickness bug. But, you should call your GP or NHS 111 if you have any serious concerns or need advice about norovirus.


Symptoms of Norovirus Stomach Bug 2021 UK

The norovirus sickness bug is a short-term illness for most people. Yes, the winter vomiting virus is unpleasant and sickly.

Winter Vomiting Virus: Norovirus Symptoms and TreatmentNorovirus symptoms usually appear one to two days after you get infected. But most adults will recover within a few days of getting norovirus.

As a rule, the symptoms of norovirus last for up to two or three days.

There are several ways to recognise the norovirus sickness bug. The list includes the most common and distinctive symptoms of winter vomiting bug 2021.

You most likely have norovirus if you are experiencing:

  • Sudden sickly feeling, nausea, and projectile vomiting.
  • Painful stomach cramps and watery diarrhoea.
  • A raised temperature, aching limbs, and headache.

Note: General advice for people with norovirus symptoms. They should avoid visiting their GP surgery, hospitals, or nursing and residential homes. This will help to reduce the spread of norovirus.


Norovirus Treatment and Protection

The nasty stomach bug stops intestinal lining cells from absorbing fluids. That is what causes the diarrhea. But, the sickness does not actually kill these intestinal cells.

Norovirus is not as severe as many other bacterial causes of gastroenteritis. Salmonella or Shigella should cause more concern if you have any of these sicknesses.


7 Ways to Fight Norovirus in Adults

Try these simple tips to help defeat the winter vomiting virus. Doctors advise these as the best treatment for norovirus infection.

  1. The general recommendation is to stay at home or off school for at least 48 hours after getting infected. Your body will still be infectious even when the norovirus symptoms have passed.
  2. You need to replace lost fluids. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to avoid dehydration. Drink even more fluids than you usually do. Try sipping small amounts of water or fruit juice if you feel too sick to drink large amounts. Taking products like Dioralyte will also help to rehydrate your body.
  3. You may find that taking paracetamol will help to reduce the fever and limb aches.
  4. Maintain thorough personal hygiene especially after using the toilet. Whenever possible try to avoid preparing food or having direct contact with others for 2 days. Wash your hands often, do not share towels, and disinfect any surfaces that you touch. The winter vomiting virus stays virulent lurking on these surfaces for several days.
  5. Always seek professional medical advice if your baby or small children get infected. The young and the elderly are more vulnerable to the harmful consequences of dehydration.
  6. Likewise, seek medical attention if you already have a serious illness. Contact your doctor or hospital if any of the symptoms last longer than three days.
  7. Taking probiotic supplements offers some protection against diarrhoea infections. Probiotics are often called ‘good’ bacteria because they help to keep your gut healthy. You could try the Healthspan product called Super 20 Pro with 20 billion live bacteria. Zinc supplements may also reduce stool volume and duration of the norovirus illness.

The norovirus stomach bug is an infectious virus. It spreads quickly through close-knit communities including workplaces, schools, residential homes, and hospitals. Help to keep the sickness at bay. We all have a role of reducing the transmission of norovirus to vulnerable people.


7 Ways to Defeat Norovirus Winter Vomiting Virus in the United Kingdom