A nasty bug is sweeping its way across the UK and leaving people bed bound, with Brits being alerted to the main symptoms. Cases of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, are on the rise.
Medical experts have now issued some advice about the main symptoms and steps to take to try to avoid the bug. Despite their similarities, norovirus and food poisoning are often confused due to similar symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting, the Express reports.
Niamh McMillan, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug advises: "Norovirus and food poisoning are easy to confuse as the symptoms are almost identical".
"Norovirus is the most common type of virus which causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is also referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' due to its prevalence during the colder months, however it can be caught at any time of the year.
“But when it comes to food poisoning, this illness is caused by eating food that has been contaminated by harmful bacteria, parasites or viruses which then irritates and infects your digestive system.”
There are a few key differences between norovirus and food poisoning. The expert explains that the "first signs of norovirus will appear between 12 hours to eight days. Ongoing diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common signs, however you may also experience headaches and light-headedness".
Food poisoning strikes fast, typically within two-to-six hours after eating a dodgy meal.
But it's not just about keeping your hands clean and cooking food properly; norovirus can also hitch a ride through contact with infected folks, dirty surfaces, or contaminated nosh and water. If you've got the bug, you're super contagious from when symptoms kick in until at least three days post-recovery.
The NHS warns: "alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus". If things get grim with signs like blood in your diarrhoea, a raging temperature, or if you can't even keep water down, it's time to ring up a doc, they advise.
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