A nurse has shared a warning over a particularly nasty strain of norovirus, also dubbed the “winter vomiting bug”, that’s wreaking havoc across the UK this winter. The infamous stomach bug, infamous for its highly unpleasant symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea, is usually short-lived, resolving itself within two days, as per NHS definitions.
Strikingly, this year the virus has ramped up and made an early appearing, with figures point to a worrying 29 per cent surge in cases between September 23 and October 6, which is notably twice the typical rate for the period. Christine Woodgate, an expert in infection prevention and control, hopped onto TikTok to highlight key signs of the illness and shared important tips on limiting transmission.
The NHS states the main symptoms of norovirus are:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
- You may also have:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- aching arms and legs
Typically hitting victims sharply one to two days post-exposure to the virus, these symptoms were reiterated by Woodgate on her TikTok, alongside advice to ease them through rest and keeping hydrated to ward off dehydration.
Nurse Woodgate has stressed the importance of anyone with illnesses, particularly those showing symptoms like diarrhoea or vomiting, to avoid work or school and not to consider returning until symptom-free for at least 48 hours. She further advised against visiting hospitals or care homes during this time, underscoring the critical role of thorough handwashing with soap and water in preventing the spread of infections.
Meanwhile, a TikTok user has gone viral after detailing their gruelling battle with what they suspect is norovirus. The creator, under the handle @simonsits, detailed the ordeal: “It’s been four days and I am finally feeling like a human being. I think I have come down with norovirus. The past four days have been the most harrowing, awful days of my life.”
The post continued to describe the intense symptoms: “I would not wish this illness on my worst enemy. I woke up on Friday with the most debilitating stomach cramps I’ve ever felt in my entire life – I could not leave the bathroom for longer than 20 minutes, I had a fever of almost 103 (fahrenheit), full body chills, skin sensitivity, terrible body aches, neck stiffness, the worst headache I’ve ever had in my entire life.”
The TikTok user concluded with a personal insight into the recovery process: “This lasted for four days. I have heard of people having norovirus, I’ve had friends who’ve had it, and I could not have prepared myself for how bad it truly is. If you have gone through this, I am so sorry – I’m finally just starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Social media has been alight with people’s harrowing experiences of norovirus. One individual commented: “I had norovirus for 12 days. It was HORRIBLE”, and another remarked: “My emetophobia can NOT.”
Someone else shared their ordeal, saying: “norovirus is AWFUL! I needed 2 or 3 IVs of fluid when I had it”.
If you’re worried about symptoms of norovirus, contacting the NHS on 111 is advised.