“Unmasking the Mystery: Why Your Battle with the UK’s ‘Brutal Illness’ Could Be More Intense Than Others—The Surprising Factors at Play!”

Ah, the winter season! Snowflakes, hot cocoa… and, oh yes, the dreaded Norovirus, that unwelcome guest at the holiday party! If you’ve had the misfortune of encountering this nasty little virus, affectionately dubbed the “winter vomiting bug,” you’re not alone. The UK Health Security Agency has been ringing the alarm bells lately, warning us of a notable spike in cases—because who doesn’t love a public health scare to spice up their winter? But seriously, what’s up with this virus? Why do some people escape its clutches while others seem to end up in the bathroom more than their own living room? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the science of Norovirus, and you might just find that your blood type plays a surprising role in your susceptibility to this little beast. Curious? Well, let’s unravel this winter mystery together! LEARN MORE

If you’ve had a run-in with Norovirus this winter season, then we feel for you.

Over the last few months, the UK Health Security Agency has issued warnings after a surge in cases of the highly contagious bug.

Norovirus cases have been surging this winter season (Getty Stock Photo)

Norovirus, which has also been nicknamed the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is a virus that mainly causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Sufferers may also have a fever, a headache and muscle aches, too.

If you’ve had it, you’ll know it’s pretty unpleasant, but it does often clear within a few days.

However, it is known for being super contagious and is usually spread via close contact or on surfaces. It’s also pretty immune to hand gel, which is why washing hands is the best option if you want to avoid it.

There’s a reason why some people get it more than others (Getty Stock Photo)

If you haven’t had the bug, however, it might be down to more than just good hygiene.

Ever wondered why some people tend to get it while others don’t? Or, why some people come down with it much worse?

According to Professor Patricia Foster from Indiana University Bloomington, people with a certain blood type could be more resistant to the bug.

Turns out, those with B blood type could have less chance of catching Norovirus, than those with A, AB or O.

“When Norovirus is ingested, it initially infects the cells that line the small intestine. Researchers don’t know exactly how this infection then causes the symptoms of the disease,” writes Professor Foster.

“But a fascinating aspect of Norovirus is that, after exposure, blood type determines, in a large part, whether a person gets sick.

“Your blood type – A, B, AB, or O – is dictated by genes that determine which kinds of molecules, called oligosaccharides, are found on the surface of your red blood cells. Oligosaccharides are made from different types of sugars linked together in complex ways.

“… Norovirus and a few other viruses use these oligosaccharides to grab onto and infect the intestinal cells. It’s the specific structure of these oligosaccharides that determines whether a given strain of virus can attach and invade.

“… People with B blood type will tend to be resistant, whereas people with A, AB, or O blood types will tend get sick, but the pattern will depend on the specific strain of Norovirus.”

Those with a B blood type could be more resistant (Getty Stock Photo)

So, if your blood type is either A, AB or O, you could be less resistant to the bug.

Norovirus can usually be treated at home and tends to resolve after a couple of days.

The NHS heavily encourages getting plenty of rest and to make sure you have lots of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

It’s also recommended to stay at home until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days as this is when you’re most infectious.