1. Winter vomiting disease

As many as 3 million people may have come down with the so called ‘winter vomiting disease.’ As such, a few sentences on what to do if you or someone else you know catches the disease might be worthwhile.

2. Noroviruses

Noroviruses are part of a group of viruses that are the most common cause of gastroenteritis (stomach bugs) in the UK. Noroviruses are sometimes known as a 'small round structured viruses' (SRSV), or 'Norwalk-like viruses' (so called after the first time it was identified in Norwalk,). Noroviruses are also called the 'winter vomiting disease' because people tend to get them during the Structure of a norovirus     winter months.
 (Image: B.V. Prasad)

3. How do you catch it?
Norovirus spreads very easily from person to person, and the virus can survive for several days in a contaminated area. The norovirus can be spread through contact with an infected person, through contact with surfaces, or objects, that are contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water. There are many different types of norovirus, and it is possible for infection to occur to several times. This is because after getting the illness, immunity to the virus only lasts for fourteen weeks.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and only a handful of molecules are necessary to catch it. However, one of the ways to protect against the infection or to help prevent yourself or others becoming infected is by practicing good hygiene. This includes thorough hand washing especially after using the toilet, and any contaminated surface should be thoroughly disinfected after an episode of illness. Food preparation should also be avoided until 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

4. Symptoms

The symptoms of a norovirus usually start between 12-48 hours after the initial infection, and last up to 3 days. The first symptom is usually a sudden onset of nausea, which is followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Other symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and aching limbs have led to the illness often being described as "stomach flu". Patients are infectious for 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.  The Royal College of GPs has warned workers to remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms have subsided to avoid spreading the bug and to stay away from doctors' surgeries and hospitals.

5. What to do?

There is no specific treatment for the norovirus, apart from letting it run its course. Anyone who catches it should DRINK PLENTY OF WATER to help to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent dehydration. This is very important for young children and the elderly, who are particularly prone to dehydration and, in some cases, may need treatment in hospital if it occurs. Eating salty snacks to replace any salt lost through vomiting and diarrhoea; drinking a sugary drink as well will also help by providing some energy.

A good indicator of dehydration is how often you pass urine. If you urinate less than three or four times a day, and the amount of urine is small, it may indicate that you are dehydrated. Also, if your urine is unusually dark in colour, you are probably dehydrated