Also known as the winter vomiting bug, this illness can cause diarrhoea and vomiting and spreads easily
People have been given a 48-hour warning about an ‘unpleasant’ winter bug. Health professionals are advising people to remain at home for two days if they exhibit symptoms.
In a recent update on social media platform X, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommended that Brits ‘stay at home for 48 hours’ after norovirus symptoms subside. Also referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus triggers vomiting and diarrhoea and is highly contagious.
Recent statistics indicate that cases of norovirus have ‘started to increase’ in England over the past few weeks. The UKHSA cautioned: “Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, like norovirus, are unpleasant for everyone.
“If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread.” On its website, the NHS backs the recommendations made by the UKHSA.
According to the NHS, norovirus symptoms can appear “suddenly” and usually include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other indicators of the virus may be a high temperature, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.
To prevent the virus from spreading, the NHS advises those with symptoms:
- Do not attend 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
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Contaminated water or food also pose a risk. In addition to self-isolating when ill, the NHS suggests several measures to limit the spread of the contagion, 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 or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, it’s advised to call 111.
Cases of norovirus
In terms of norovirus cases, the most recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that current levels are only slightly higher than usual for this time of year.
The UKHSA stated: “Overall, up to week 42 of the 2025/2026 season, the cumulative number of positive norovirus laboratory reports in England (1,310 laboratory reports) was comparable to the five-season average (1.5 per cent higher) for the same period (1,290 laboratory reports).”
However, it added: “Norovirus activity has remained low and within expected levels, though it has started to increase in recent weeks.” For further information, refer to the UKHSA data here.