HOW CAN MY FAMILY AVOID THE NOROVIRUS?
Q We just spent a weekend with my extended family and some of them have come down with the norovirus. I'm trying to make sure the rest of us escape the illness. How can we protect ourselves and how should we treat it if we get ill? Lorraine, 38
A The norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is highly contagious and is spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces and food. It's common in winter as people tend to group together inside more, so once one person gets the virus it can spread like wildfire - especially in schools, hospitals and offices.
The best way to prevent it is to avoid contact with anyone who has any symptoms, such as nausea and abdominal pain, and wash your hands frequently.
If you do get the norovirus, sickness and diarrhoea are nature's way of getting rid of it, so try to avoid taking anti-diarrhoea tablets such as Immodium. Rest and stay hydrated with water or sports drinks to replace lost salt and sugars. You should feel much better after 48 hours, but don't go to work while you're feeling unwell, and don't send children to school if they get it, as you'll just be spreading the virus to more people.
Q I have a twinge in my back, especially when lying down. Could it be a trapped nerve? Wendy, 29
A A trapped nerve is caused by vertebrae in your back becoming misaligned. This can happen if you've fallen over, or more likely in your case, from poor posture or simply twisting in a certain way. However, if it hurts when you cough or sneeze, you may have a slipped disc, which can be caused by sudden movement. This can be painful as it puts pressure on your spinal cord or surrounding nerves. It will usually correct itself in a few weeks, but to help with pain in certain positions, such as lying down, you may need to see a chiropractor or osteopath (visit Chiropractic-uk.co.uk or Osteopathy.org).
Another possibility is the pain is deferred from elsewhere in the body, such as heartburn. See your GP for an accurate diagnosis.
DIY DOC
Help! I've got... something stuck in my eye
1. Look in the mirror and see if you can identify what's in your eye. Pay close attention to the white area and try blinking a few times to see if that helps.
2. If it doesn't, pour some boiling water into the sink. Once the water is cool, tip your head over the sink and rinse your eye in the water. If you can still feel something in your eye and the cause is now visible, gently remove it with a cotton bud.
3. If that doesn't work, visit A&E. Doctors can numb the eye with local anaesthetic, and use special tools to remove whatever's in there.
ASPIRIN OR A&E?
Symptom: chesty cough
You think it's: Tuberculosis
(TB)
Don't panic: Coughing means there's something in
your airways that shouldn't be, such as dust, or there's an infection. You
can treat a chesty cough with medicine from the chemist or by inhaling
steam, which loosens phlegm so you can cough it up. If the cough lasts more
than three weeks, see your GP.
Head to A&E: If you're coughing up blood or are a long-term smoker, this could be a sign of infection or TB. If you've had a BCG vaccination, you're unlikely to get it, though.
Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk
COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT, SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY (POSED BY MODEL) DIY DOC IS A GUIDE ONLY - CALL NHS DIRECT ON 0845 4647 FOR MORE INFORMATION DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU'RE UNDER 16
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
This article has 0 comments