Best vitamins to take to avoid norovirus as sick bug spreads across UK

UK households are being put on high alert as the dreaded norovirus is sweeping Britain. According to the latest figures, there has been a 29% spike in cases over the past month.

If you find yourself suddenly struck by intense sickness, relentless vomiting and watery diarrhoea, chances are you've been hit with this highly infectious bug. Some people also suffer from fever, , stomach cramps, and sore limbs.

These unpleasant symptoms typically rear their ugly heads one to two days post-infection and tend to linger for 48 to 72 hours.In an attempt to steer clear of the stomach-churning illness, healthcare guru Savneesh Bhogal of Virtual College has dropped a vital health tip, reports .

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Failing to boost your immune system with the right vitamin-rich foods could increase your risk of succumbing to illness. According to Savneesh: "Vitamins A, C, E, and zinc are great for boosting your immune system after an infection or illness."

Vitamin A is a fierce defender against infections, ensuring your immune system runs smoothly. It can be found in carrots, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, eggs, butternut squash, and mango.

Meanwhile, vitamin C, renowned for its antioxidant properties and role in attacking pathogens, is abundant in oranges and grapefruits - a single navel orange boasts nearly all the recommended daily intake. Kiwi, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cranberries are also bursting with vitamin C power.

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that bolsters the body's natural defence against illness and infection, can be found in green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Zinc, another essential nutrient, is vital for the development of T cells that are crucial in fighting infections.

However, our bodies can't produce zinc, so it must be obtained from food. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, beef, cashews, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds, legumes, whole grains and seeds.

Norovirus is currently high in the UK. than the five-season average for the same period up to week 17 of the 2023/2024 season.

But Savneesh has issued a warning about taking certain supplements together. "Don't take large doses of calcium and magnesium simultaneously, as they compete for absorption when taken in large doses," the expert cautioned.

"Similarly, space vitamin C and vitamin B12 at least two hours apart as high doses of vitamin C can decrease the absorption and of vitamin B12. Supplements that aren't designed to be taken together can be taken at the same time, they just need to be spaced out throughout the day.

"For example, spacing them out throughout the day or morning or evening. Some supplements may need to be taken with food, and some may be administered daily, multiple times a day, or even weekly. If you are not sure about dosage, contact your healthcare provider to ensure you are taking the correct dosage."

How norovirus is spread and how to treat it

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly. The best defence against it is frequent hand washing with soap and water, as alcohol-based hand gels are ineffective against this virus. You can catch norovirus from:

• close contact with someone with norovirus
• touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
• eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus

If you or your child contracts norovirus, the best course of action is to rest, stay hydrated to prevent dehydration, and avoid school or work until at least two days after symptoms have ceased. During this period, you're most infectious, so it's also crucial to avoid visiting or care homes.