Vomiting bug
No sooner than we clear the stonking cold (was this really influenza B?) of so few weeks ago, than the Norwalk Virus (Norovirus) arrives.
This same virus which closed so many schools in Birmingham last month is now closing schools in Enfield, so endemic is the infection in England this winter. The symptoms are fever, nausea, vertigo (dizziness) and very severe and frequent vomiting. It is almost impossible to eat and drinking can only be tolerated in small sips. Too much fluid will cause an unpleasant washing about sensation in the stomach and too little fluid can rapidly cause dehydration. In severe cases, diarrhoea can also be present.
The good news: is that it only lasts 24-48 hours and the treatment is rest and fluids. Almost everyone infected will recover completely without any long term problems.
The bad news is that it can be quite severe and cause distress, and that the young, the elderly and the already ill can suffer more seriously.
Be careful of the highly contagious nature of this virus and do not handle or prepare food for others if you are infected. Throw away any food or water if it has become contaminated in contact with a sufferer. Wash carefully any soiled articles of clothing and wash down any contanimated surfaces wth bleach or disinfectant.
The remedies I have found of use here are arsenicum and veratrum, though in truth this infection is so intense and so fast, it is often over before a remedy can be provided. The dangers are if the sufferer does not start to recover within three days or if they develop a stubborn or bloody diarrhoea or if the fever does not come down. So far I have not had to prescribe on any complications, and I would ask the client to see their GP or go to casualty if any remedy does not work very quickly in such cases. My rule is always that I will try three remedies and if the sufferer is not better, then off to A&E they go!
Sue :: Mar.01.2006 :: homeopathy, pathology :: No Comments »