Pharmacists can help fight winter vomiting bug

Date published: 03/01/2008

People who contract winter vomiting illness are reminded that pharmacists can help them tackle the unpleasant symptoms - these include nausea, sickness and diarrhoea. Some people may have a fever, headache or aching limbs.

Symptoms normally last from 12 to 60 hours and most people make a full recovery within a few days.

There is no specific treatment apart from letting it run its course. Drinking plenty of water will help to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting, and prevent dehydration. The very young and the elderly should take extra care if infected, as dehydration is more common in these age groups.

Your local pharmacist will be able to offer advice on how to tackle the symptoms. Going to hospital should be a last resort. Also, if you are unwell and planning to visit a friend or relative in hospital, then please check with the ward first to avoid the risk of bringing in an infection.

Winter vomiting illness is easily passed from one person to another.

It can be spread by contact with an infected person, by contact with surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus, or by eating contaminated food or water. It is more likely to spread in enclosed areas where people have a lot of contact, such as schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

To prevent others from becoming infected, good hygiene is important.

Everyone needs to wash hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet, and thoroughly clean any contaminated surfaces with disinfectant.

If you develop the infection you should avoid preparing food for others until three days after your symptoms have gone altogether.