NHS GP does one thing every September to fight winter bugs as virus sweeps UK

An NHS GP has revealed she does one thing every year to help fight off winter bugs. It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning for the winter vomiting virus.

Cases of the norovirus have surged across the country in recent weeks. The bug, dubbed the winter vomiting disease, leads to nasty stomach symptoms including violent sickness and diarrhoea.

The UKHSA has warned that the virus is “incredibly infectious” and told anyone who has it to stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped. Now former NHS GP Rupa Parmar has explained how she helps fight off viruses.

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Writing in The I newspaper, she said: “No single food or drink can boost your natural immunity; a balanced diet is key. So from September, I really focus on ‘eating the rainbow’, a varied combination of naturally colourful, nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and proteins to get a broad spectrum of all the vitamins and antioxidants my body needs to fight infection.”

Dr Parmar says she is a particular fan of dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale. She also says she likes to increase her vitamin C intake, taking supplements to act as an “immune booster”.

A 2021 study found that nutrient rich foods can help “maintain normal physiology” and promote “healthiness”. It said: “While, still the best practical way to prevent the transmission of viruses is to practice self-sanitation and follow social distancing principles, enhancing the individual's immunity through the consumption of proper foods containing balanced nutrients can have significant results against viral infections.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 685 million cases of norovirus are reported each year. This includes around 200 million people under the age of five.

The virus is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year, including 50,000 child fatalities. The NHS says symptoms of the virus include the likes of feeling nauseous, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Other symptoms that may indicate a case of norovirus are a high temperature, headache, tummy pains, or body pains. Anyone with the virus is urged to stay away from places like hospitals or care homes.

A health expert told the Mirror: “Do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days."

If you or your little one contracts norovirus, there are several steps you can take to alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. The NHS recommends:

• staying at home and getting plenty of rest

• drinking lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick

• continuing to breast or bottle feed your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual

• giving babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds

• eating when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy

• taking paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child