How to beat winter bug blues: Part 2

MY GIRL SLEEPS AROUND

- JAMES MOORE

Yes - norovirus is far more common in winter and spreads incredibly easily, especially in schools and households. It causes sudden vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps, usually lasting a couple of days.

Here’s four simple steps to deal with it...

1. Stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

2. Hydrate well.

3. Wash your hands with soap and water (hand gel won’t work).

4. Clean surfaces and bedding thoroughly.

Most people recover quickly, but if you're struggling to stay hydrated or you're worried about a baby, older adult or someone with health issues, speak to a GP or call 111.

Raynaud’s disease is reckoned to affect 10 million Brits in winter. What is it?

Raynaud's is a common condition where your fingers and sometimes toes overreact to cold or stress.

Blood vessels temporarily spasm, reducing blood flow and making the skin turn white, then blue, followed by a painful red flush as the circulation returns.

It can feel like numbness, tingling or intense cold in the fingers.

If your fingers change colour in the cold, feel numb or painful and take a while to warm up, mention it to your GP.