An expert has urged people to not take a common painkiller if they become ill with a nasty virus that is currently surging across the UK. According to NHS figures, norovirus infections have shot up 29 percent between September and October 6.
This alarming rate is twice the typical outbreak level for this time of year. In the latest update from the UK Health Security Agency, epidemiologist Amy Douglas, warned: “As we head into the winter season, we are seeing norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect the virus to spread more in the coming weeks.”
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus typically causes diarrhoea and sickness. However, it can also cause headaches and body aches.
Symptoms will often come on “suddenly” one or two days after becoming infected.While it may be tempting to reach for the painkillers in order to soothe these uncomfortable symptoms, an expert has issued a warning about using ibuprofen.
Savneesh Bhogal, healthcare expert at Virtual College by Netex, urged people to use paracetamol instead to treat the symptoms. This is because the vomiting caused by the virus is likely to leave your stomach empty.
Ibuprofen is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), something known to irritate the lining of your stomach so that an ulcer forms, especially if the stomach is empty. Savneesh explained: “Avoid taking ibuprofen, as this shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach – and you may not feel like eating.
“While ibuprofen shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach, as it can unsettle the lining, paracetamol is safe to do so.”
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He continued: ““There is no treatment for norovirus so you have to let it run its course. However, you can take over the counter medication, to help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the illness.
“For norovirus, paracetamol is the best method as it will help to relieve aches and pains, including headaches and stomach ache, as well as helping to keep a temperature down.”
However, he warned: “Just make sure to avoid taking paracetamol if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it – or have liver or kidney problems.”
The NHS adds that ibuprofen can cause ulcers in your stomach or gut,” especially if you take it by mouth for a long time or in big doses”. It says: “If you need to take it for a long time your doctor may also prescribe a medicine to help protect your stomach.”
If you have norovirus, the health body recommends you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days and do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time.
“The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration,” the NHS says.