Overview
- People with vomiting or diarrhoea are urged to remain at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop and to avoid preparing food or visiting hospitals and care homes.
- UKHSA data show 1,310 lab-confirmed cases this season, about 1.5% above the five-season average, with a 25% rise over the past fortnight from 171 to 213 reports.
- Norovirus spreads easily in close-contact settings such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries, and symptoms often include sudden vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headache and aching limbs.
- Guidance stresses soap-and-water handwashing, washing soiled clothes and bedding at 60C, and using bleach-based disinfectants on contaminated surfaces because alcohol gels are less effective.
- Most people recover within two to three days, but young children, older adults and those with weakened immunity are at higher risk of dehydration, with NHS 111 and emergency thresholds clearly outlined.