Latest news with #NiamhMcMillan


Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctors sound the alarm over the summer activities full of hidden health threats
Hospital visits spike in summer as more people travel, have time off for adventurous activities and indulge in one too many piña coladas. Warm weather can lead to dehydration, vacations mean new germs and environments, exhilarating experiences like zip lining can result in serious harm and visiting far off locales with different food safety standards may be a recipe for gastrointestinal disaster. While the carefree summertime feeling may be appealing, experts warn that people shouldn't throw all caution to the wind, as the season is rife for health complications - both big and small. Superdrug's Pharmacy Superintendent Niamh McMillan said: 'We all remember to pack the basics such as sun cream and basic pain relief such as [acetaminophen]. 'However, our Superdrug pharmacies often see a surge in post holiday visits with unexpected issues such as swimmer's ear, fungal foot infections and stomach upsets that they have picked up abroad, which can ruin a trip.' But rest assured, you don't need to live in a constant state of fear on vacation. Below, details some of the most common summer ailments and the expert-backed tips to prevent them. Warts Aside from being unsightly, warts can lead to pain and difficulty walking if they pop up on the feet. The typically benign spots start small but slowly increase in size, becoming more and more painful when left untreated. Warm, moist and germy environments like public pools and showers become a feeding zone for the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes warts. This leads to plantar warts and verrucas - warts that appear on the soles of the feet. 'Swimming pools, communal showers and hotel spas can be breeding grounds for warts, verruca, and athlete's foot,' McMillan said. When enjoying water parks, public pools or even having a relaxing spa day, avoid going barefoot and dry feet off quickly. Traveler's stomach A common problem on vacation is traveler's diarrhea or another type of stomach illness. Whether it's contaminated water, undercooked meat or unsanitary produce, a stomach bug can hit at any time and cause cramping, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Studies suggest that between 30 percent and 70 percent of travelers experience traveler's diarrhea (TD). For most, the episodes will settle after one to two days but in severe cases, those sickened may become severely dehydrated or go into organ failure and need to be hospitalized. These viruses are commonly caused by ingesting water or food that has been contaminated with feces, or consuming undercooked food, such as meat, eggs or fish. Dr Darin Detwiler, a food safety expert, previously told to 'steer clear of buffets,' a common place for food contamination as people breath and touch communal food. Another no-no are street vendors. Some places may have less stringent food regulations, meaning they may not be completely germ-free. So it's best to avoid suspicious market food and eat at restaurants or cook your own meals if possible. Dr Detweiler added that the high temperatures during summer months can also encourage the proliferation of dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. It's also important to beware of contaminated water, with the Mayo Clinic suggesting avoiding ice cubes and tap water in some countries. Stocking up on bottled water to brush your teeth and avoiding sliced fruit that may have been washed in tap water will help prevent viruses. Swimmer's ear Cooling off at the pool or the lake is all fun and games until you start to feel pain in your ear. This is called swimmer's ear, an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi in moist environments like pools, lakes or oceans. 'It's exquisitely painful,' Dr Sapna Singh, a pediatrician and chief medical officer at Texas Children's Pediatrics in Houston, told The New York Times. 'I've seen teenagers come in in tears.' It affects one in 200 Americans annually and is most common in children, though adults are far from immune. 'Many people think ear infections are just for children, but adults can also get outer ear infections, especially after swimming in public pools,' McMillan added. 'Trapped water breeds bacteria in the ear canal, causing pain, inflammation and even temporary hearing loss.' McMillan recommends wearing ear plugs and thoroughly drying your ears after swimming, as well as not submerging your head for long periods of time. The adrenaline rush from adventure tours may not be worth the risk. Summer is a peak time for tourists and campers to zip line, go ATVing, scuba and snorkel, but these activities can be dangerous. In October of 2024, a Carnival cruise turned deadly for two young cruise passengers in Nassau, Bahamas, claiming the life of one and leading to the other being arrested. The chilling incident was caused by James Darling, a 21-year-old, overturning his ATV bike and resulting in his friend's, James Palmer, fatal injuries. According to a police report, Darling was arrested after the crash when police found him in possession of nine grams of marijuana, which is illegal for recreational use in the Bahamas. In another incident at a summer camp in North Carolina in 2015, a 12-year-old girl fell more than 40 feet to her death when a tether attaching her to the camp's zip line snapped. The camp had dual zip lines that somehow got tangled, which melted her tether from the friction. In the summer of 2023, the latest data available, it was reported that nearly 200,000 children had suffered injuries that made them go to the emergency room. All of which were caused by 'summer fun.' To stay safe, it is important to avoid high-risk activities and only partake in those through reputable companies. Staying sober and being alert is also important to stave off injuries. Insect Bites Rummaging through the summer grass and nature walks are a sure way to suffer insect bites. According to the CDC, July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits since 2017, with the Northeast region reporting the most cases. Young children and elderly adults appear particularly vulnerable, with those under 10 and over 70 years old having the highest rates of emergency room visits. Lyme Disease strikes 476,000 Americans and can linger for years after infection, causing fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog and sleep disturbances. Mosquitoes also pose a threat to killing summer fun, as the small insects are known to carry a multitude of seriously devastating disease like dengue fever, zika virus and malaria. Though many of these are rare in the US, they can lead to harsh symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, headache and chills. Health officials recommend repelling bugs with spray and checking your body regularly for ticks.


The Sun
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
From sweating to fatigue and swollen ankles – the 11 surprising signs your heart is in danger and when to call 999
WE'RE all aware that chest pain is a common sign that something's wrong with our heart. But it's far from the only signal, and in many cases, the earliest alarm bells are more subtle symptoms that you might just put down to the warm weather - or miss altogether. 5 Heart and circulatory diseases cause around a quarter of all deaths in the UK - that's more than 170,000 lives claimed each year. And spotting symptoms can be crucial for early intervention and preventing life-threatening consequences. It's important to know that not all chest pain is heart-related, and not all heart problems present with chest pain. Many of the tell-tale signs might surprise you, as they're often associated with less serious health conditions. Niamh McMillan, Superdrug 's pharmacy superintendent, told Sun Health: 'When most people think of heart problems, they picture chest pain or sudden collapse. "But the early signs of poor heart health can be surprisingly subtle, such as fatigue, breathlessness, or swollen ankles and therefore can be easy to miss.' Our experts reveal the more surprising symptoms of poor heart health so you can take action sooner rather than later. 1. Stomach pain STOMACH pain is often dismissed as indigestion or a minor digestive issue. But it can sometimes be a sign of poor heart health. A heart attack can cause chest pain that radiates to other areas of the body, including the stomach, causing a feeling of heaviness, tightness, or pain in the upper abdomen. It can also present as nausea, indigestion, or heartburn. In cases of heart failure, abdominal pain and swelling can occur due to fluid retention and congestion in the liver and gut. This can manifest as nausea, loss of appetite, and swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen. Niamh says: "If stomach pain is persistent, occurs with exertion, or is accompanied by breathlessness, fatigue, or sweating, it's important to seek medical advice to rule out more serious concerns." 2. Feeling sweaty 5 IT'S the time of year when hotter weather brings on buckets of sweat. While sweating is a natural response by the body to regulate its temperature, excessive or unexplained sweating, especially when it hasn't been caused by heat or physical activity, can be an early warning sign of heart problems. During a heart attack, the body may activate a 'fight or flight' response, leading to excessive sweating. Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, can also cause the body to sweat more to try and regulate temperature. In some cases, excessive sweating can be a symptom of heart failure, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart's inner lining) and certain congenital heart defects. Niamh said: "Seek urgent medical attention if you start to feel hot and clammy, along with chest pains.' 3. Swollen ankles SWOLLEN ankles or feet are another common occurrence during hot weather. It happens because your body naturally dilates blood vessels to cool down, causing fluid to move from the vessels into surrounding tissues. Gravity then pulls this fluid down to the lower extremities, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles. Swelling can also result from standing for long periods of time and be a side effect of medications, said Dr Susanna Hayter, Digital Clinician at Medichecks. But it can also be a subtle but important sign of poor heart health. When the heart isn't pumping as efficiently as it should, it can cause the blood to back up in other areas of the body and can cause fluid to build up, a condition known as oedema. Persistent or unexplained swelling, especially when combined with breathlessness or fatigue, may indicate heart failure or circulation problems, said Dr John Abroon. Niamh added: "If swelling is ongoing or worsens over time, it's important to seek medical advice.' A simple blood test (called a BNP test) can be performed by your GP and can be helpful in determining whether such swelling is something of concern. 4. Leg and arm pain LEG and arm pain can be normal if it's mild and temporary. It often results from overuse, minor injuries, and even growing pains. But leg pain or cramping in your calves can also be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD) - a condition caused by narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the legs. Niamh explained: "This type of pain, known as claudication or intermittent claudication, is your body's way of signalling reduced blood flow to the muscles. "Having PAD can put you at risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. "If you experience persistent leg pain or cramping during activity, it's important to speak with a healthcare professional for further assessment. 'Arm pain can be a key warning sign of a heart attack and can feel as though pain is spreading from your chest to your arms. "This feeling can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. "If you experience unexplained arm pain along with these signs, it's important to seek medical help immediately.' Dr Abroon, who has more than 25 years of experience practising medicine in New York City, warned arm or jaw pain with fatigue or sweating may be a sign of a heart attack. 5. Persistent cough or wheezing WHILST a chronic cough is often secondary to a benign, passing viral infection, and can even be triggered by hay fever at this time of year, heart disease can also cause this symptom. Dr Christopher Boyd, consultant cardiologist at Nuffield Health Brighton Hospital, advised that in the case of heart issues, it's often worse at night or when lying flat and, when the heart condition is more extreme, can be associated with pink sputum production. He says: "This type of cough results from fluid backing up into the lungs. "If you have a persistent cough that worsens when lying down or at night, it's worth discussing this with a doctor." Besides heart failure, a persistent cough can be caused by respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma, or even as a side effect of certain heart medications. 6. Jaw or neck pain JAW ache is relatively common, often brought on by teeth grinding, sinus problems or dental issues. But a dull ache that radiates from the chest into the jaw can be a red flag, because the same nerves that serve the heart also serve the lower face, so pain can be projected there when myocardial tissue is starved of oxygen, said Dr Naheed Ali, a physician and senior contributor at Vera Clinic. He said: "Jaw or arm radiation together with chest pressure often accompanies unstable angina or an evolving infarction, situations in which a coronary artery is partially or completely blocked and heart tissue is becoming ischemic [a less than normal amount of blood flow to a part of the body]." Recently, Dr Boyd said he treated a woman who was having a heart attack but had thought it was toothache. He said: "This is quite understandable and, of course, in the majority of cases, the patient's initial instinct is right. "But in some cases, jaw or neck pain can be referred pain from the heart. "This is particularly true for women or older patients, whose heart attack symptoms can present atypically." If you feel discomfort in your jaw, neck, or throat that is out of the ordinary - particularly if it's accompanied by nausea or sweating - seek medical attention, he adds. 7. Fatigue WE all feel tired from time to time. One of the most common reasons to consult a GP is fatigue and difficulties sleeping, said Dr Boyd. Usually, this is caused by factors such as stress or poor sleep hygiene. Hot weather is another common cause, with the body working harder to regulate its temperature, which can lead to tiredness and sluggishness. But persistent fatigue, especially when it's not explained by lack of sleep or overexertion can potentially be an early warning sign of poor heart health. Niamh explained: "When the heart isn't pumping efficiently, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the muscles and tissues, leading to feelings of constant tiredness or weakness. "This can be particularly noticeable during everyday activities that previously felt easy, such as climbing stairs or walking short distances. "If you find yourself unusually drained or struggling with low energy on a regular basis, it may be time to consider a heart health check. " PocDoc, £19.99 available from Superdrug pharmacies, is an easy to use, at home heart health test, which helps you to understand your heart age, risk of cardiovascular disease and key risk factors all through a finger prick of blood.' 8. Sudden dizziness or light-headedness FEELING faint or dizzy can happen for a variety of reasons, but when it occurs suddenly and without a clear cause, it may be warning that your heart isn't pumping enough blood to the brain. The most common reason for this is a transient reduction in blood pressure, called vasovagal syncope, explained Dr Boyd. This can often be provoked by standing for long periods - particularly in hot weather. He said: "The London Underground in the summer is often a frequent contributor to this issue, as many commuters can attest! "Adequate hydration and minimising provoking situations is essential for people prone to this. "However, arrhythmias, heart valve problems, or blockages in blood vessels could also be to blame, and if you suffer with frequent or worrying fainting or dizzy spells, you should discuss this with a medical professional." 9. Erectile dysfunction MANY people are surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an early warning sign of heart disease. The same processes that cause arteries in the heart to narrow can affect blood flow elsewhere, resulting in this condition. Dr Boyd explained: "In fact, ED can precede a diagnosis of coronary artery disease by several years. "If this is something you have encountered, it is worth speaking with a medical professional to minimise your cardiovascular risk factors and help reduce the risk of future heart problems." Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, has been shown to improve both your heart health and sexual function. 10. Shortness of breath EVERYONE gets breathless at some point in their daily routines, and this is obviously normal in most settings. Furthermore, as we get older or if we let our fitness levels decline, we will become breathless doing lesser things, and this doesn't necessarily reflect abnormal heart health. However, if you're finding yourself breathless doing things you used to manage easily — like walking the dog or carrying groceries — you may be experiencing an early sign of heart failure or valve disease. Dr Boyd advised: "Some people experience angina not as chest pain or tightness, but as breathlessness, and this is likely to be more noticeable in cold weather. "If these features are true for you, it is worth consulting your GP for an assessment." 11. Palpitations & high blood pressure HEART palpitations are generally considered normal and isn't usually a sign of anything serious. It's the sensation of feeling your heart beat, which can feel like a fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation. Dr Hayter said they can be caused by anxiety, too much caffeine, or dehydration. However, frequent or severe palpitations may indicate underlying heart conditions. Niamh warned: "Palpitations can be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm, known as arrhythmias, which can be caused by an underlying condition. "One of the most common arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation, which can increase your risk of a stroke. "It's important to pay attention to these sensations, especially if they're accompanied by dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and to seek medical advice to ensure heart health is properly managed." Also, hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. But many people are unaware they have the condition because it usually has no noticeable symptoms - giving it the name the 'silent killer'. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries, leading to various complications, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even vision loss, said Niamh. She added: "Superdrug offers free blood pressure checks in its nationwide high street health clinics. Customers can get their blood pressure checked by a nurse, in order to help assess heart health.' Which symptoms are the most serious? THE most urgent symptoms to look out for include sudden chest, jaw, or arm pain, especially if it's severe, lasts for more than a few minutes, or is accompanied by sweating, nausea of shortness of breath, said Dr Hayter. Other symptoms you mustn't ignore are sudden onset of cold sweats, palpitations, dizziness, collapse, breathlessness (particularly if it comes on quickly or is worse when lying flat), or a rapid/irregular heartbeat (especially with chest discomfort or light-headedness). How to keep your heart healthy Diet Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, salt, and sugar. Consider a Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasises vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, and includes low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, certain vegetables, oils, and nuts. Physical activity Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. This can include activities like brisk walking, dancing, or gardening. Smoking If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Alcohol If you drink alcohol, moderate your intake to recommended limits. Weight management Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Stress management Stress can negatively impact your heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Regular checkups Schedule regular health checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Medication If you have high cholesterol or other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe medication, such as statins, to help manage your condition. Know your numbers Be aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and work with your doctor to manage them effectively. "These might signal a heart attack, arrhythmia, or acute heart failure. In those cases, every minute counts and you should call 999 or visit A&E," she said. And hot weather can put extra strain on the heart, particularly in older adults or those with existing cardiovascular issues, Dr Abroon warned. He said: "Heat can cause dehydration, lower blood pressure and trigger irregular heart rhythms. "People with heart failure may notice more swelling or feel more breathless in high temperatures." If you're experiencing symptoms like palpitations, swollen ankles, unexplained fatigue or mild chest discomfort, it's worth seeing your GP. He added: They can assess whether the issue is likely to be heart-related and carry out checks such as an ECG, blood tests or a referral to a cardiologist if needed. "Early investigation can help catch potential problems before they become more serious."


Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Correct way' to apply sun cream to minimise skin ageing
SPF must be applied correctly in order to work Many of us will be slapping on sunscreen this month before heading out to beaches and barbecues to soak up the sun. However, one medical expert warns that you may not actually know how to apply SPF correctly. Niamh McMillan, Superdrug Pharmacy Superintendent, previously advised that the timing of sun protection application is crucial, as applying it too early or too late can increase the risk of skin damage, ageing and burns. She said: "It's best to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. It should then be reapplied to exposed areas, 15 to 30 minutes after sun exposure." She added that sunscreen should be reapplied after vigorous activities like swimming or excessive sweating. SPF measures a cream's protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, commonly associated with skin burns, and bottles typically rank protection on a scale from two to 50+. The star rating on bottles indicates protection from ultraviolet A radiation (UVA), which is linked to skin ageing, enlarged pores, and fine lines. Both UVA and UVB can contribute to an increased cancer risk. To ensure effectiveness, it's essential to apply SPF at the correct time, allowing sun cream about 30 minutes to be fully absorbed by the skin. If your SPF application gets delayed, there's a risk it could be washed away by sweat, compromising its effectiveness. It's also vital to keep an eye on the expiry date, while most bottles last up to 30 months, they can start losing their protective power after being opened. Skin expert Niamh emphasised that choosing the right sunscreen is crucial, taking skin types into consideration and said: "We all have different skin types, so it is important to choose the right type of sunscreen for your skin. The SPF is commonly interpreted as how much longer skin covered with sunscreen takes to burn, compared to unprotected skin. "So, if you burn after 10 minutes in the sun, then using a sunscreen labelled with, say, SPF15, is taken to mean that you can safely remain in the sun for 10 x 15 = 150 minutes, or two-and-a-half hours, before burning." Niamh also recommends keeping children keeping them shaded from direct sunlight until they are at least six months old, especially during peak UV exposure hours between 11am to 3pm. Niamh further advised parents, particularly from March to October in the UK, to be watchful about their children's skin, making sure it's well-covered, shaded, and protected with at least SPF 30 sunscreen on exposed areas like the face, ears, and feet.


Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Expert shares ‘prescription price hack everyone should know'
Some simple requests before you pay could cut down the cost of the exact same medications With disabled people potentially facing a future without Personal Independence Payment (PIP), counting every penny becomes crucial. In an effort to help, Superdrug's Pharmacy Superintendent has divulged several top "money-saving hacks" that could see the costs of prescriptions significantly reduced. Niamh McMillan said: "One of the easiest ways to save money on private prescriptions is by choosing generic medications instead of their branded equivalents. The generic medication normally has the same ingredients and therefore offers the same benefits, at a fraction of the cost." She went on to highlight that most pharmacies provide a robust variety of generic medication which their pharmacists can advise on. Allowing customers to switch to more affordable options without compromising quality or effectiveness. Being careful with your medication doses can also hold some less obvious savings. McMillan explained: "Managing prescriptions carefully can help avoid unnecessary refills and can also help reduce costs. 'Talk to your pharmacist to ensure you are taking the right medication at the correct dosage, to help prevent waste. Superdrug's Pharmacy app helps patients to be more organised, allowing them to order repeat NHS prescriptions and set medication reminders.' Many individuals may be unnecessarily paying for their prescriptions too. Certain people, conditions and medications are provided free of charge in England. This includes items such as birth control pills, individuals over the age of 60, those on certain income-based benefits and individuals with medical exemption certificates. This certificate is given to individuals with specific conditions like diabetes or cancer. McMillan said: "Check with your Pharmacy team whether you qualify (for free prescriptions). They can also guide you through the application process. Free prescriptions and medical exemption certificates are different from prepayment certificates. Although these can also result in substantial savings. The pharmacist explained: "A Prescription Prepayment Certificate, otherwise referred to as a PPC, is a cost-effective way to manage NHS prescription costs for those living in England, who require multiple medications. By paying a one-time fee, individuals can get unlimited prescriptions for a set period, usually three or 12 months, potentially saving significant money." These certificates only save money if you have a certain amount of prescription medication that you pay for. A three-month PPC won't be much use if you have less than three prescribed medications in that time, for example. By opting for a 12-month certificate, individuals who require more than 11 prescribed items annually can make significant savings. For those with two prescribed items per month, this translates to a yearly saving of £120. Meanwhile, people with four or more prescribed items per month can expect to save over £350 annually. McMillan said: "A PPC can reduce the burden of individual NHS prescription charges, ensuring continued access to necessary treatments without the worry of additional costs each time. This is especially beneficial for people on long-term NHS medication, or with chronic conditions."


Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptoms of contagious bug 'appear between 12 hours and eight days'
As the number of norovirus cases remain high, the public has been urged to avoid hospitals and care homes if experiencing symptoms Norovirus continues to spread across the UK, with case continuing to be high. For some months now, the public has been asked to help to try to curb the spread by avoiding hospitals and care homes if they are showing symptoms such as vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. As with all bugs like this, the best method of stopping its spread is not to put others needlessly at risk to catch it. Niamh McMillan, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, shared expert advice on spotting early signs and staying protected, saying: "Symptoms of Norovirus can include severe nausea, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and vomiting. Norovirus is the most common type of virus which causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is also referred to as the 'winter vomiting bug' due to its prevalence during the colder months, however it can be caught at any time of the year. "Typically the first signs of norovirus will appear between 12 hours to eight days. Ongoing diarrhoea and vomiting are the most common signs, however you may also experience headaches and lightheadedness." How to minimise the spread of norovirus While it's difficult to prevent catching norovirus, there are some small steps you can take to minimise the chances and also improve symptoms. Keep your distance Niamh explained: "Norovirus can be transmitted by coming into contact with someone suffering from the virus, contaminated surfaces and also food and water so try and keep areas around you clean and disinfected. A person suffering from norovirus is most contagious from the moment they start feeling to at least three days after recovery." Wash hands thoroughly She emphasised the importance of hygiene, saying: "Don't underestimate the benefit of washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap, for at least 20 seconds. This is particularly important if you've been in public areas, for example on public transport or if you've touched high-traffic surfaces such as door handles, lift buttons and railings." Rest and rehydrate On the topic of recovery, Niamh advised: "Norovirus can be exhausting, so it's important to get as much rest as possible. This illness also runs the risk of sufferers becoming dehydrated. Superdrug's Rehydration Sachets can help replace the essential fluids and salts that are lost through diarrhoea. Paracetamol can also help with aches and pains that can be experienced during norovirus." Niamh added that paracetamol, such as Superdrug's Own Brand Paracetamol, costs as little as 3p per caplet. Seek medical advice For those struggling with the illness, Niamh recommended: "Unfortunately there's no set time frame for the body to get over norovirus and instead you will need to wait for the virus to work itself out of your system. Seek further medical advice if norovirus symptoms worsen, including blood within diarrhoea, high temperature and if you can't keep fluids down."