Cases of this illness are “higher than normal” at the moment
The NHS has issued an “important” alert as cases of a nasty illness are “higher than normal”. This virus often strikes with two key symptoms that last 48 hours.
In a post shared to social media platform X, the NHS urged people to be wary of the signs of norovirus. Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug,” is a highly infectious disease that spreads easily through contaminated faeces.
The NHS explained: “Cases of norovirus are higher than normal at the moment. Norovirus can spread all year round, causing diarrhoea and vomiting.
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“In this hot weather it’s even more important to stay hydrated.” In an infographic, the NHS added that the two key symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea.
However, these issues typically stop after two days. The health body continued: “Vomiting and diarrhoea? Stomach bugs, like norovirus, can be very unpleasant but usually go away in around two days. Treating yourself at home is often the best remedy.”
The most recent data on norovirus, provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), shows that laboratory reported cases in England between May 26 and June 29 this year (16,679 cases) were 124.2 per cent higher than the five-season average for the same period (7,439 cases).
However, compared to earlier this year, norovirus cases have decreased. The UKHSA said: “While norovirus activity has remained high this season, it is now decreasing and returned to expected levels from week 23 onwards.
“Total norovirus laboratory reports during weeks 22 and 26 of 2025 (663 laboratory reports) were 49.1 per cent higher than than the five-season average (445 laboratory reports) for the same five-week period, mostly due to high levels of reporting in week 22.
“Overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 22 and 26 were 52.8 per cent lower than during the previous five-week period of weeks 17 and 21 of 2025 (1,405 laboratory reports).”
Symptoms of norovirus
The NHS warns that symptoms of norovirus typically appear “suddenly” and may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Other possible indicators of the illness are a high fever, headaches, abdominal cramps, and general aches.
The health service advises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should stay away from school, work, hospitals, and care homes for 48 hours after the symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.
Most people start feeling better within two or three days, with staying hydrated being vital to recovery. The NHS emphasises: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
How to prevent the spread of norovirus
People often catch it if they don’t wash their hands adequately after using the toilet. You can get infected by coming into close contact with someone carrying the virus, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then your mouth, or consuming food prepared by someone who has norovirus.
Contaminated water or food are also risky. Besides self-isolating when ill, the NHS outlines several measures to curb the contagion’s spread, recommending that you:
- Wash your hands with soap and water (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus) after using the toilet or changing nappies
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
- Wash clothes and bedding that has faeces or vomit on it at a 60C wash and separately from other laundry
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible
If you experience any symptoms:
- Do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
- Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days
If you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.