Overview

• The UK Health Security Agency posted fresh guidance on Oct. 9 urging people to stay home for 48 hours after diarrhoea or vomiting has stopped.
• NHS guidance notes vomiting typically settles within 1–2 days and diarrhoea within 5–7 days, yet people may still be infectious after symptoms ease.
• Hygiene steps include frequent handwashing with soap and water, washing soiled laundry separately on a hot cycle, daily cleaning of toilets and touchpoints, and not preparing food for others or sharing towels and utensils.
• People should stay off work or school, avoid visiting hospitals or care homes while unwell, and skip swimming pools until 48 hours after symptoms end.
• Seek pharmacist advice for dehydration or if you are older or immunocompromised, continue breast or bottle feeds without weakening formula, avoid anti‑diarrhoeal medicines in under‑12s, never give aspirin to under‑16s, and use emergency services for severe warning signs such as confusion, blood in vomit, sudden severe abdominal pain, or breathing difficulty.