Shigella: Everything you need to know about highly contagious bug

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A highly contagious vomiting and diarrhoea bug can floor you in the colder months of the year.

Though more common in young children than adults, the bacterial disease Shigella can take its toll on Brits of all ages.

Shigellosis, as it’s fully termed, gets its name from the bacteria that causes it.

The highly infectious disease is the most common type of dysentery in the UK and can be contracted simply by not washing your hands properly, the NHS says.

Symptoms can last up to seven days and include:

• A fever of 38 °C or more
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe diarrhoea

Typically, the illness will run its course on its own and treatment isn’t necessary.

However, the NHS recommends taking painkillers to relieve symptoms in addition to drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

It's also advised to steer clear of antidiarrheal tablets such as loperamide (found in Imodium), as these can actually exacerbate symptoms.

In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary, although most strains of Shigella are known to be resistant to them.

The disease is most commonly spread via contact i.e. if you touch a handrail that an infected person has touched you are immediately at risk of being infected too.

“To help keep shigellosis at bay, properly wash your hands on a regular basis, and always after going to the toilet and when you first return home from being in a public space," advises Dr Luke Powles, GP at Bupa Health Clinics.

Avoiding public pools and washing clothes and bedding on a high temperature can help too.

Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to avoid touching too many people around you which, if you’re repelled by tactility, could be the PDA excuse you’ve been waiting for.