Brits were today warned against taking one common pain relief medication to combat norovirus.
Cases of the winter vomiting bug, which can also cause diarrhoea, are up over 40 per cent in just a fortnight, figures show.
Health bosses fear any further norovirus surge could pile more pressure on the NHS before the winter flu season even gets into full swing.
Rest and having lots of fluid are often recommended by health chiefs. Paracetamol may also aid a fever or aches and pains.
But experts have now advised people to steer clear of Ibuprofen over fears it could irritate the stomach lining.
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) could even raise the risk of suffering stomach bleeds and ulcers for Brits struck down with vomiting.
This is because the medication reduces the production of prostaglandins — hormone-like substances that the body produces — which protect the stomach lining.
Savneesh Bhogal, a healthcare expert at Netex, said: ‘Avoid taking ibuprofen, as this shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach — and you may not feel like eating.
Figures released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yesterday revealed cases of the winter bug jumped 41 per cent in just a fortnight
Experts have now advised people to steer clear of Ibuprofen over fears it could irritate the stomach lining
‘While ibuprofen shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach, as it can unsettle the lining, paracetamol is safe to do so.
‘There is no treatment for norovirus so you have to let it run its course.’
According to figures released yesterday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of the winter bug jumped 41 per cent in just a fortnight.
This is double the five-year average for the same two weeks.
Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospital settings is also 37 per cent higher than the five-year average.
However, actual case numbers — which only cover England — may be even higher.
This is because the figures are based on positive laboratory reports and NHS hospitals reporting suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks.
Most of those infected suffer nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting and recover at home.
Norovirus can appear similar the symptoms of Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches
UKHSA noted that the surge in cases had been largely driven by variant known as GII.17.
The strain has been nicknamed ‘Kawasaki’ as it was first detected in the Japanese city in 2014.
‘The increase of the variant has been observed in other counties and is being closely monitored,’ the health body said.
The bug is spread through close contact with someone who is infected; touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, and then touching the mouth; as well as eating food that’s been handled by someone with norovirus.
Regular hand washing is the best way to stop the spread.
Norovirus can show similar symptoms to Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches.
The stomach bug usually goes away on its own within two to three days.
But sufferers, who may also experience aching arms and legs, are advised to stay at home until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.
In severe cases, however, some people may need to be hospitalised with the elderly and children most at-risk.
Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: ‘We are heading into the winter season with norovirus levels higher than usual, and we expect norovirus to spread more in the coming weeks.
‘Recently, we’ve seen the biggest rise in cases in adults, especially those aged 65 and over.
‘To help reduce the spread of norovirus you can take steps to avoid passing the infection on.
‘If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
‘If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.’
The uptick in cases also comes as a new vaccine that could stop people from developing norovirus is being trialled in the UK.
The mRNA vaccine from Moderna has entered its final stages of testing, the Health Secretary has announced, with results so far showing it creates a ‘strong immune response’.