Doctor issues 'urgent' symptoms warning as cases of highly contagious winter bug jump by 30% across UK

As norovirus surges ahead of Christmas, Doctor Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, has revealed the tell-tale symptoms, which can leave you bed-bound.

As he explains, diarrhoea and vomiting are the main warning signs, both of which can be debilitating.

He explained: “Common side effects include abdominal cramps due to a change in intestinal activity, urgent bowel movements and bloating. It can also drastically increase dehydration, meaning consuming (safe) water is a necessity in order to reduce the effects and improve health.

“Vomiting can have similar effects on our body. Much like diarrhoea, throwing up can leave us dehydrated and with an electrolyte imbalance, meaning rehydration is key to feeling better quickly. While healthy people should recover in time, the illness can prove risky for those with poor immune systems. Therefore, I recommend seeking urgent medical attention should symptoms worsen.”

Britons would be wise to heed this advice.

Norovirus is estimated to cause approximately 200,000 deaths annually worldwide - a quarter of which are children under the age of five. It is estimated to cause around 56 to 80 deaths per year in the UK alone.

The highly contagious winter bug can also prove to be more troublesome than other respiratory viruses such as influenza.

As Doctor Ashwin Sharma from online pharmacy MedExpress explains, norovirus specifically targets the gastrointestinal system.

“In addition, often people think that because they feel better, they must not be transmittable anymore and that isn’t the case.

“Most people can remain contagious for up to two weeks or more after symptoms have resolved.”

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So, what can be done? 

According to TV's Doctor Hilary, five tips could be the difference between staying protected and falling victim to an overstretched healthcare system.

He recommends the following:

Cut back on the booze

“It’s no secret that excessive alcohol can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of falls and accidents, which become more concerning as we get older. Drinking in moderation can help maintain balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of mishaps.

“Additionally, staying mindful of alcohol consumption can support overall health and well-being, permitting you to enjoy social gatherings without the risk of hurting yourself.

Keep warm

“Heating just one room of the house can keep you warm and help save on fuel bills, but it's important to keep that space above 18°C. During a bitter cold snap, staying warm indoors and dressing in multiple layers is essential.

“Stocking up on hot drinks and soups in a thermos, while eating regularly, can create inner body heat and sustain energy levels.

“Avoid going out if it’s icy or snowy to prevent falls and fractures; however, if you must venture outside, wrap a warm scarf around your nose and mouth.”

If in doubt, self-test

“It’s a habit many of us became familiar with during the pandemic and one we should keep up during the colder months. With GP appointments becoming increasingly hard to obtain in a hurry, getting into the habit of regular self-monitoring with DIY testing is a good idea.

“While testing for the likes of flu and COVID can help with faster diagnosis, testing for other non-winter related ailments such as your bowel health, kidney health and iron levels allows you to stay on top of your overall wellbeing.

Make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations

“As winter approaches, it’s essential to get your flu jab and ensure you're up to date with your COVID boosters. These vaccinations are critical for preventing severe illness, especially with the current ‘triple-demic’ threat - an early rise in respiratory infections like RSV, flu, and COVID.

“The British Medical Association has warned that this could be the toughest winter for the NHS, so staying on top of your vaccinations not only protects your health but may also be life-saving.”

Sleep, sleep, sleep

“Making sure to get at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night is essential for maintaining overall health, especially during winter. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune response and make you more susceptible to illnesses.

“Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can enhance sleep quality - giving your body a better chance to withstand winter’s challenges. If you're experiencing sleep disturbances, consider testing for thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies with Newfoundland’s at-home kits.”