Ricky Gervais has revealed that a bout of norovirus left him experiencing the “worst eight hours of illness of his life”.
The comedian, 61, shared his health woes on Twitter on Thursday and explained that the virus left him sweating, vomiting, and defecating “gravy bombs” through the night.
Writing on the micro-blogging site, the After Life star shared: “I’m not well today. In fact, I’d say I just lived through the worst 8 hours of illness of my life.
“Severe abdominal pains, vomiting every time I moved, (but only tiny bits of bile), hot sweats and chills, oh, and I really want to know who planted the 12 gravy bombs up my a**e.”
After sharing his symptoms, the Episodes actor was inundated with messages of get-well wishes from fans and later revealed that he believed he had caught norovirus.
One fan penned: “Sounds like it is norovirus that is going around. My friend and my daughter and son-in-law have had it. It is awful. Hope you get better soon.”
I'm not well today. In fact I'd say I just lived through the worst 8 hours of illness of my life. Severe abdominal pains, vomiting every time I moved, (but only tiny bits of bile), hot sweats and chills, oh, and I really want to know who planted the 12 gravy bombs up my arse.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) May 11, 2023
To which Gervais responded: “Yeah that’s what I thought.”
Another tried to reassure the TV star and commented: “If it’s norovirus it’s bad while it lasts, but it doesn’t last long”.
“Ricky! Get better soon! Sending positive vibes for a speedy recovery!” a third shared.
The norovirus bug causes inflammation of the stomach and intestine, stopping the absorption of fluids from intestinal lining cells. However, unlike salmonella, these cells are not killed, hence the quicker recovery time.
The infectious virus can strike at any time and typically lasts between one to three days, but for most people, it is most common to contract this virus from November to April.
It affects millions around the world and symptoms typically develop 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to it.
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of norovirus are nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting. You may also suffer a high temperature of 39°C or above, a headache, and aching limbs.
Symptoms usually start suddenly, within one to two days of being infected.
In March, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed a significant increase in norovirus cases across the country.
The dreaded winter vomiting bug took over nurseries and care homes earlier this year, as those aged under five and over 65 seem to be falling victim to outbreaks the most.
