Doctors warn of 'Kawasaki' norovirus symptoms as illness sweeps UK ahead of winter
Winter hasn't yet officially begun, but temperatures across the UK have already started to plummet, making it feel like autumn is well and truly over. The cold weather tends to come alongside a surge in colds and flu, but this year Brits are being warned to also be wary of norovirus, often referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug'.
Norovirus is a stomach bug which is extremely contagious. It tends to trigger sudden diarrhoea and projectile vomiting, and is responsible for around 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year. Cases of norovirus tend to rise during the winter months, but this year a new variant has been identified in the UK, leading an even bigger surge in diagnoses.
The 'Kawasaki bug' was first spotted in Kawasaki, Japan in 2014, and has rapidly become a dominant virus across the UK in recent times, accounting for 70 per cent of all norovirus cases. Symptoms tend to appear within one to two days of infection and typically last from two to three days, but in some cases they stick around for even longer.
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The virus is easily spread via contaminated food, water and surfaces, or through direct contact with an infected individual. Touching surfaces or objects carrying the virus and then touching your month, or consuming food prepared by somebody infected with norovirus, can lead to you contracting the virus.
Dr John Burke, chief medical officer at AXA Health, has issued a stark warning about the ever-changing norovirus, which can strike more than once due to its ability to constantly evolve, evading long-term immunity. He's calling on everyone to be extra cautious with hygiene and to quickly recognise the six main symptoms of the winter vomiting bug to prevent its spread.
Dr Burke advises that norovirus symptoms are typically manageable at home and should ease after a few days as the virus works its way out of the system. He recommends keeping meals simple if you're struggling to eat, and has emphasised the importance of staying hydrated to counteract the fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhoea. He also says resting is important, advising a minimum of 48 hours off work or school to allow the body to recuperate.
"Try and keep your meals bland whilst you're unwell with Norovirus, to avoid further upsetting your stomach. If you are struggling to keep food down, try small amounts of easily digestible foods such as toast and crackers," Dr Burke advised.
"With any illness that causes sickness, it's really important to maintain fluid levels whilst unwell to prevent dehydration. Our bodies lose a lot of fluids through vomiting and diarrhoea therefore, you must be regularly drinking clear fluids and electrolytes when you are unwell with Norovirus. When infected with Norovirus, rest is essential for a quick recovery. It's best to ensure that you are giving your body adequate time (a minimum of 48 hours) to rest and recover from the virus before returning back to work or school."
