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.
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