It's this time of year right through till spring that we have the dreaded 'Winter vomiting virus' NOROVIRUS. Like most viruses its constantly changing it's structure so like the common cold, it's impossible to develop an immunity to it. I can vouch what it's like to have it, as I have suffered this nasty little bug more than once and on one occasion had to be hopitalized. The article below from the Daily Mail gives some tips on how to repel it. Once you do have it, it just a case of supportive measures until the virus burns itself out.
Here are a few of my tips to cope with it.
It's important to keep hydrated as you do lose a lost of fluid especially if you have both diarrhoea and vomiting, of course it's difficult to keep liquids down and as the condition goes on you do lose essential electrolytes (salts) as you become low in electrolytes this upsets the body's chemistry so makes nausea and gagging worse, so these must be replaced. Now you can buy sachets of replacement electrolytes such as Dioralyte these can be expensive but it is worth keeping a few of those in your first aid box, alternatively plain (non diet) bottled lemonade is good, it has the right balance of sugar and salts and if vomited back up doesn't stain and it freshens the mouth. It's important to take small sips of fluid and not gulp it down and small sips are more likely to stay down and be absorbed.
There are a few Homoeopathic remedies that come to mind providing they fit the individuals symptoms such as Nux Vomica, Arsen Alb, Ipecacuanha, and taken in 30C potency.
Even the placing of a cold compress over the forehead can help alleviate the nausea.
The condition generally lasts from 24 to 48 hours, but remember you will still be infectious for a few days. Afterwards you may still feel a bit raw and sore and personally pineapple juice is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps soothe an upset digestive system. To stimulate the appetite Lime either in the form of an aromatherapy treatment and can be used in a diffuser, alternatively lime juice cordial does help stimulate the appetite.
ARTICLE FROM THE DAILY MAIL BELOW
How to repel the dreaded winter vomiting bug, the norovirus, as number of cases soar
- More than 800,000 cases reported since the summer
- The figures are up 83 per cent on last year
There is a huge number of cases of norovirus, or winter vomiting bug, this year.
More than 800,000 cases have been confirmed since the summer, an 83 per cent increase on the same period last year.
The real figure is likely to be much higher given that many cases are not reported.
Preventative measures: The norovirus is easily spread through contaminated hands and surfaces so hygiene is key
How can the spread of the infection be contained?
The infection spreads easily from person to person through contaminated hands and surfaces, so hygiene is critical. It is particularly crucial for children and those handling food.
Those who have had the infection must remain isolated for 48 hours after recovery to prevent others being infected. We have already seen hospital wards and schools closed after outbreaks. This is an effort to contain the virus and curb a potentially larger epidemic.
Why does it happen every year?
Norovirus is no different from other viruses that circulate at this time of year, but it is incredibly infectious.
It is the UK’s most common cause of gastroenteritis, and spreads easily when everyone is cooped up inside during the winter.
One problem is that people do not develop long-lasting immunity – you are protected for only a few months, so next winter you can easily get it again.
Is it a serious illness?
For most people, absolutely not, as it lasts for only two or three days and causes vomiting, some diarrhoea, fever and malaise.
Most people recover with no medical intervention. But for babies and the elderly, dehydration is the problem: keeping up fluid intake can be difficult, and occasionally a stay in hospital will be necessary.
What’s the best treatment if you’re otherwise healthy?
Rest and isolation. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice cubes for steady fluid intake. Take the anti-sickness medicine domperidone, which you can buy over the counter, and control fever with paracetamol.
Do I need to contact my GP?
Only if there is any sign of dehydration. For sick children, speak to the doctor about medicine that can be prescribed for severe vomiting, and paracetamol suppositories to control a temperature if oral medicine is not tolerated.
- twitter.com/Dr_Ellie
VIDEO: Tips on controlling Norovirus
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2252164/How-repel-dreaded-winter-vomiting-bug-norovirus.html#ixzz2GGYG4ryt
