NHS GP does one thing in September to fight off winter viruses as bug sweeps UK

A former NHS GP has disclosed the one strategy she employs annually to ward off winter illnesses. This revelation comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an alert regarding the winter vomiting bug.

Norovirus cases have skyrocketed nationwide in recent weeks. The illness, known as the winter vomiting disease, triggers severe gastric symptoms including violent nausea and diarrhoea. The UKHSA has cautioned that the virus is "incredibly infectious" and advised anyone affected to remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have ceased.

Former NHS GP Rupa Parmar has now shared her approach to combating viruses. Writing in The I newspaper, she explained: "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 reveals she particularly favours dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. She also mentions increasing her vitamin C consumption, taking supplements to serve as an "immune booster".

A 2021 study discovered that nutrient-dense foods can help "maintain normal physiology" and promote "healthiness".

It stated: "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), approximately 685 million cases of norovirus are recorded annually.This encompasses roughly 200 million individuals under the age of five.

The bug is blamed for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year, including 50,000 child deaths. The NHS states symptoms of the illness include feeling sick, being sick and having loose stools.

Additional signs that may signal a bout of norovirus are raised temperature, headaches, stomach aches, or aching limbs. Anyone suffering from the bug is advised to keep away from locations such as hospitals or care facilities.

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 child develops norovirus, there are various measures you can implement to ease symptoms and accelerate recovery. The NHS advises:

• remaining at home and getting plenty of rest Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel nauseous.
• 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.