The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported a rise in norovirus cases and is urging people with symptoms to stay at home for 48 hours. Figures show 2,111 laboratory reports of the infection so far this season, a 16.8% increase on the five-season average for the same period.
The highly contagious bug causes sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines. According to UKHSA figures, there were 257 reports in the two weeks up to last week, indicating rapid spread. The agency has issued guidance on what to do if symptoms appear.
Symptoms and spread
The NHS notes that symptoms typically emerge 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last about two to three days. The bug passes easily from person to person through direct contact and touching contaminated surfaces.
UKHSA previously warned: "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." The agency also cautioned that hand sanitiser will not prevent the illness.
NHS advice on symptoms and treatment
The NHS states: "Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually gets better in about 2 days."
The health service advises anyone with symptoms to stay away from school, nursery or work until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. They should also avoid visiting others in hospitals or care homes during that period.
Main symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Additional symptoms may include a high temperature, headache, tummy pain, and body aches.
Treatment advice includes staying at home and resting, drinking plenty of fluids such as water or squash (taking small sips if feeling sick), continuing breast or bottle feeding with small feeds more often, giving babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds, eating when able while avoiding fatty or spicy foods, and taking paracetamol if in discomfort.
The NHS advises against fruit juice or fizzy drinks as they can worsen diarrhoea, making baby formula weaker, giving children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea, and giving aspirin to children under 16.
