ITV This Morning’s Dr Hilary Jones has named five ways he would beat the winter bugs as a cold spell approaches.
With the temperatures across the United Kingdom set to drop, many people will find themselves picking up winter bugs. Among those are norovirus, which will affect thousands of people across the country.
It can leave sufferers bedridden with symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. Dr Hilary however suggests there are several strategies to reduce the risk of falling ill.
READ MORE: Diabetic-friendly soup recipe that’s easy to make keeps blood sugar levels low
READ MORE: The popular trends that could see your home lose value in 2025
One key piece of advice from Dr Hilary is ensuring adequate sleep, recommending seven to eight hours per night to bolster overall health, especially in winter. In his column for Woman’s Weekly, he explained: “Lack of sleep can weaken your immune response and make you more susceptible to illnesses.”
He also advised: “Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine can enhance sleep quality and protect against winter lurgies.”
For those participating in Dry January, Dr Hilary’s guidance to cut back on alcohol will be welcome news. He warns that alcohol consumption can impair the immune system and increase the chances of accidents.
Moderation is key, as it helps maintain coordination, reports Surrey Live. Additionally, Dr Hilary champions vaccinations, including Covid-19 boosters and the flu jab, highlighting their potential to be “life saving” by protecting one’s health.
If you suspect you have the flu or Covid, Dr Hilary recommends purchasing self-tests for use at home. He also suggests testing your overall bowel, kidney health, and iron levels at home to maintain general health.
Furthermore, if you’re struggling to get enough sleep during the winter months, he advises considering more tests as this could indicate thyroid issues or a vitamin deficiency.
What is the winter bug?
Norovirus, often referred to as the winter vomiting bug, is an unpleasant condition that typically clears up within two days, according to the NHS. They advise anyone with the bug to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Those infected are urged to stay away from work or school until at least two days after their last bout of sickness or diarrhoea, as this is when they’re most infectious. It’s also recommended to avoid hospitals or care homes.
The bug can be transmitted through close contact with an infected person, touching virus-contaminated surfaces, or consuming food prepared by someone with the virus. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is hand hygiene, says the NHS.
If you’re particularly concerned about severe symptoms, you should call NHS 111. If your vomit is green or resembles ground coffee, the NHS website advises calling 999.
For more information, visit the NHS website.