‘I’m a doctor and these are the lesser-known symptoms of norovirus’

The winter vomiting bug – or norovirus as it’s commonly called – is a dreaded feature of winter. 

The common illness, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is known to spread easily through close contact or on contaminated food or surfaces.

Now Express.co.uk has spoken to a doctor to get his top tips for avoiding the sickness in the first place – and how to recover quickly if you do.

Dr. Bruno Silvester Lopes, is a lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University, who offered his advice and warning symptoms to be on the lookout for, including the lesser-known warning signs.

He said: “Norovirus, or Norwalk-like virus, is a stomach bug that can cause diarrhoea due to food poisoning. It is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines,” he began.

When asked why there’s been an increase in UK cases of norovirus, Dr Lopes answered: “It spikes during the winter because at low temperatures, there is an increased viral survival rate.

“People spend more time indoors in close proximity with each other, which raises the possibility that an infected individual in the same household can spread the virus.

“People can be infected with norovirus multiple times because immunity gained from one type of norovirus doesn’t necessarily protect against other types, and any immunity that does develop may only last a short time after recovery.”

Dr Lopes added that environments of health and social care settings are far more privy to catching norovirus “where transmission rates can be higher”. He have further warning to those aged 65 who are more susceptible to catching norovirus.

As for the main symptoms of nororvirus to be aware of, according to Dr Lopes, these can include “sudden nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.”

He added: “Other possible symptoms are low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, usually lasting one to three days.”

When asked about any lesser-known warning symptoms of norovirus individuals should be aware of, Dr Lopes said: “Yes, beyond the common symptoms, lesser-known signs of norovirus can include chills, mild body aches, and general malaise or extreme fatigue, which may persist for a few days even after the primary symptoms subside.

“Some people also experience a mild sore throat or a feeling of bloating and gas, which can be overlooked as signs of the virus.”

For those already suffering with norovirus, Dr Lopes offers some top tips to help recover more quickly.

He said: “Norovirus is a self-limiting infection, meaning it will resolve on its own, but drinking plenty of fluids is essential to avoid dehydration.

“In severe cases, oral rehydration fluids can help maintain electrolyte balance, and paracetamol can be taken for any fever, aches, or pains.

“Rest as much as possible and, when you’re ready, consume a plain diet with foods like pasta, rice, soup, or bread to ease your stomach.”

He added that practicing good hygiene while suffering helps recovery, including washing hands thoroughly and “cleaning contaminated surfaces to prevent the spreading of the virus”.

Dr Lopes strongly urges to avoid “alcohol and caffeine” when suffering with the illness as he said it “can worsen dehydration and stomach irritation”.

He added: “Do not take anti-diarrheal medications, as they can prolong the infection.

“Limit contact with others to prevent spreading the virus, and avoid preparing food for others until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have fully subsided.”

For a healthy diet to get you back up and running, Dr Lopes recommends avoiding high fat and dairy foods.

Following a diet mostly consisting of plant foods including vegetables, fruits and whole grains with a moderate amount of lean and low-fat, animal-based food should get you feeling yourself again.