The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in norovirus cases this season, with 2,111 laboratory-confirmed infections recorded so far – a 16.8% increase compared with the five-season average for the same period. The NHS has warned that two popular drinks can make a key symptom worse.
Which drinks to avoid
According to NHS guidance, anyone with norovirus should avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juice, as they can worsen diarrhoea. The advice appears in the health service's recommendations for treating the illness at home.
The UKHSA highlighted the recent increase in cases on X, formerly known as Twitter. While figures remain within expected levels, 257 reports were logged during the fortnight leading up to last week.
What is norovirus?
Often called the winter vomiting bug, norovirus can strike at any time of year. The stomach illness triggers vomiting and diarrhoea and transmits rapidly within communities, leading to frequent outbreaks in hospitals, care facilities, cruise liners, schools and nurseries.
The virus targets the stomach and intestines and is also referred to as a gastrointestinal virus, gastric flu, or a stomach bug. It is possible to contract norovirus multiple times within a brief period, as various types (or genotypes) of the virus circulate simultaneously.
What to do if you have it
The UKHSA has previously cautioned: "Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you're feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time." It also highlighted that hand sanitiser proves ineffective in preventing the illness.
To halt the virus's spread, the health service advises those displaying symptoms to stay away from school, work, hospitals, and care homes for 48 hours following the cessation of symptoms. The NHS outlines various measures to contain the infection's transmission, recommending that you should:
- 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 exhibit any symptoms, the health body advises: 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.
Symptoms and treatment
According to the NHS, norovirus symptoms can emerge "suddenly" and typically comprise nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It notes: "It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days." The main symptoms may include feeling sick, being sick (vomiting), and diarrhoea. You may also have a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.
The NHS says: "You can usually treat it at home. You'll usually start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration."
Recommended actions include staying at home and getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids such as water or squash (taking small sips if you feel sick), carrying on breast or bottle feeding your baby, giving babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds, eating when you feel able to (avoiding foods that are fatty or spicy), and taking paracetamol if you're in discomfort.
The NHS advises against having fruit juice or fizzy drinks, making baby formula weaker, giving children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea, and giving aspirin to children under 16. If you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.
