The NHS has warned that anyone with norovirus should avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juice as they can worsen symptoms, as UKHSA figures show winter vomiting bug cases are on the rise
Brits have been urged not to drink two popular beverages if they’re struck down with a winter vomiting bug, as they could make a crucial symptom even worse. Fresh data reveals that cases of norovirus are on the rise.
The UKHSA has posted on X, formerly Twitter, to warn about a recent surge in cases of the bug. According to the latest figures, 2,111 laboratory-confirmed infections have been logged this season so far – representing a 16.8% jump compared to the five-season average for the same period.
While the numbers remain at expected levels, the health body has warned that infections are climbing, with 257 cases reported during the two-week period ending last week. Official guidance has been released on what people should do if symptoms appear.
And crucially, two popular drinks should be steered clear of. The NHS has warned that anyone suffering from the bug should steer clear of fizzy drinks and fruit juice, as they can make a key symptom significantly worse, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus can actually hit at any time throughout the year. The stomach bug causes vomiting and diarrhoea and spreads rapidly through communities, resulting in frequent outbreaks in settings where people are in close contact, such as hospitals, care homes, cruise ships, schools and nurseries.
The virus, which attacks the stomach and intestines, is commonly known as a gastrointestinal virus, gastric flu, or stomach bug. Worryingly, it’s entirely possible to catch norovirus several times within a short space of time, as multiple types (or genotypes) of the virus circulate at once, according to the Mirror.
While some limited immunity may build up against one particular strain, a different variant can strike shortly afterwards.
The UKHSA has previously warned: “Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.” It also flagged that hand sanitiser is ineffective at preventing the illness.
To curb the spread of the virus, the health service urges those showing symptoms to keep away from school, work, hospitals, and care homes for 48 hours after symptoms have cleared up. Alongside self-isolating while ill, the NHS sets out a number of steps to limit the spread of infection, recommending that you should:.
According to the NHS, norovirus symptoms can appear “suddenly” and typically include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It notes: “It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days.”
Symptoms:
- feeling sick
- being sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea