The curse of the Norovirus

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net 

Its nasty. Its unpleasant. It inflicts torture. Its the norovirus.

According to a report in The Independent newspaper this morning, vomiting bug cases have almost doubled since last year, affecting up to nearly a million people. It has disrupted school classes, closed hospital wards and caused problems in other care settings.

And I know what its like. I've been struck by the norovirus. Twice.

The bug is highly contagious and anyone can catch it if they make contact with anything that is contaminated, including any object. It is also very easy to catch from another person and even no contact is required. 

Sadly, there is no cure for it so any infected individual must let the virus run its course. Generally the virus will end its run within one or two days after it begins. However, according to NHS Choices, any individual suffering from the norovirus can make certain measures to minimise its disruption:

- Drink plenty of fluid to avoid dehydration.

- Use paracetamol appropriately to combat any pain, aches or fever.

- Eat foods that are easy to digest if you need to consume food.

- Do not go to your doctor as nothing can be done and the norovirus is contagious.

- If your symptoms last for a few days or if you have a serious illness then contact your GP for advice.

Regarding the fourth point, I would also add don't go to accident and emergency either because again nobody there can do anything for you and the last thing you would want is the virus spreading to another patient in the hospital. When I had the virus second time round, a long time ago, I was in such agony that I insisted on going to hospital. But when the staff at A & E told me it was probably the norovirus then that put everything beyond doubt.

And its also best to stay at home as well in order to minimise the impact of the norovirus. You don't want to infect anyone else after all!

This morning, Ward 2 at Stracathro Hospital has been closed due to the outbreak of the virus there. Anyone planning to visit the hospital ward to see family relatives or friends is advised by the hospital not to head there for 48 hours.

With just less than a week to go until christmas, the last few days will be a little more nervous for everyone. Lets hope this virus is contained and in control well in time for then.