Infections due to a common virus continue to climb, with several NHS trusts declaring a 'critical incident' amid a spike in hospital admissions. The latest weekly data from NHS England, released on January 15, revealed an average of 567 hospital beds occupied daily the previous week by patients displaying norovirus symptoms.

This marked a 57% increase from the prior week's average of 361 and represented the highest figure for norovirus patients recorded this winter. The virus spreads rapidly, making it essential to understand how to minimise the risks.

Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U, explained: "Norovirus spreads much more easily than many people think. It only takes a tiny amount of the virus to make you sick, and it can survive on surfaces for days. As cases continue to rise, it's important to go beyond basic hygiene and adopt more targeted measures to protect yourself and those around you.

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"People often think or norovirus as a quick 'in and out' bug, but it's incredibly stubborn and easy to pass on. As a pharmacist, I look at norovirus in two ways: how we stop it spreading, and how we can support our body while the virus runs its course. There's no cure for the virus itself, but there's a lot we can do to make symptoms more manageable and reduce complications like dehydration."

Jason has offered guidance on preventing norovirus, managing symptoms and supporting recovery.

Norovirus tips and recovery advice

Treat it as a stubborn infection – Norovirus is a 'non-enveloped virus', making it resilient to alcohol-based hand gels and many household cleaning products. Soap and warm water can physically remove the virus from your hands, while bleach can chemically neutralise it on surfaces.

Select cleaning supplies like you would medicine – Opt for disinfectants labelled as 'virucidal' or 'effective against non-enveloped viruses'. If it doesn't carry this label, it's unlikely to be effective against norovirus.

Consider the correct 'dose' of bleach – Proper dilution of bleach is crucial: too weak and it won't eliminate the virus; too strong and it could irritate your lungs and skin. Always ensure the room is well-ventilated before using bleach for cleaning and always adhere to the instructions on the bleach bottle.

Handle vomiting as an exposure event – In healthcare settings, vomiting is treated as airborne contamination. Clean beyond the visible area, ensure good ventilation, and consider nearby soft furnishings as potentially affected.

Isolate like a mini ward – If possible, designate one bathroom, one set of towels, and one bin for the person who is ill. This mirrors hospital infection-control practices and helps curb the spread of the virus.

How to manage norovirus symptoms

Rehydration is your primary 'treatment' - Dehydration poses the most significant health risk with norovirus. Electrolytes are superior to plain water as they replenish both fluids and salts in your body.

Hydrate like you're medicating – Take small sips every 5-10 minutes instead of gulping down large quantities at once. This approach minimises the risk of vomiting and enhances fluid absorption.

Pain relief – Once you can keep fluids down, paracetamol is your safest bet for symptoms such as fever, headaches, and body aches. Steer clear of ibuprofen if you're dehydrated or throwing up excessively as it can upset your stomach and put pressure on your kidneys.

Exercise caution with anti-diarrhoea medicines – Drugs like loperamide can curb diarrhoea, but they're not always advisable since diarrhoea aids in flushing out the virus. They might come in handy for short-term control (e.g. essential travel) but should be avoided for children or if you have a fever or blood in your stool.

Anti-nausea solutions – For severe nausea, a pharmacist can recommend anti-emetics. In persistent cases, a GP may prescribe medication to help manage vomiting and allow fluids to stay down.

Eat small and simple – When your appetite makes a comeback, start with bland foods like toast, crackers, bananas, and rice. Keep fatty, spicy, or dairy-rich foods off the menu until your symptoms subside.

Rest is the best medicine – Your immune system is the key to clearing norovirus. Ensuring you get plenty of rest will hasten your recovery and minimise any complications.

Jason said: "With the right support, most people recover well from norovirus. Think of hydration, rest and symptom control as your treatment plan, and infection control as your prevention plan. When both are done properly, you protect yourself and everyone around you."