REDDITCH’S top doctor is asking residents to think of others if they are struck down by a tummy bug.
The plea comes from Dr Richard Davies at a time when the incurable winter norovirus is particularly widespread.
The highly contagious condition, whose symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, normally clears up of its own accord after a day or two.
Dr Davies, chair and clinical lead of Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group, recommends that the best way to recover is through self-care at home – getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids and washing hands regularly with soap and water.
“There’s no denying that the symptoms of norovirus can be pretty unpleasant, and many people’s first instinct when they’re struck down by the bug is to head straight to their GP,” he said.
“With something like a stomach bug, however, looking after yourself at home can often be the best option. If you need guidance on what you can do to help yourself get better, you should contact your local pharmacist, they can provide quick advice without you having to wait for an appointment or sit in a waiting room.
“If you are worried your stomach complaint is something more than a simple bug, a pharmacist will be able to let you know if they think a visit to the doctors is needed. If your local pharmacy is closed, call NHS111 for free and a trained advisor can talk you through the best course of action.”
The symptoms of norovirus start around 12 to 72 hours after picking up the infection and can last up to 60 hours.
Anyone suffering from norovirus can help to stop the spread of the bug through good hand hygiene using soap and water rather than alcohol hand gels, which do not kill the virus.
For more information on staying well this winter visit www.nhs.uk/staywell.
