There are six winter bugs to be aware of, including symptoms to look out for and effective treatments.
Norovirus
Nicknamed the “winter vomiting bug”, norovirus causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea.
People might also experience a fever, aching muscles, and a headache if infected with this highly contagious bug.
“The symptoms start suddenly within one to two days of being infected,” the NHS says.
You will have to wait for the illness to run its course, which may take up to three days.
But it’s imperative to rest and to drink lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to:
- A runny nose
- Decreased appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing.
These symptoms will appear in stages and not all at once.
Outbreaks are most common in the winter months, and while it can affect anybody at any age, it’s more prevalent in young children.
The NHS says: “Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday and most cases will clear up within a week or two.”
No medicine is available to kill the virus, but over-the-counter remedies for colds could help to ease symptoms.
Common cold
Cold symptoms can come on gradually but usually include a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, coughing and sneezing.
According to the NHS, they can be treated without seeing a GP and recovery should be about one to two weeks.
Flu
Flu can be similar to a cold, but a sudden high temperature is usually a tell-tale sign.
Like a cold it can often get better on its own. The NHS recommends resting, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drinking plenty of water.
Covid
Symptoms of Covid can be similar to the common cold and flu. The best way to know if you have Covid is to take a test.
The NHS advises if you have symptoms or test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for three days if you’re under 18 or five if you’re over 18.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that can be treated with antibiotics. The first symptoms can be flu-like and then a rash may appear 12 to 48 hours later.
Cheeks can look red and a white coating may appear on the tongue.
The NHS advises seeing your GP if you and your child has symptoms.
