Health authorities have issued a new alert as cases of a nasty illness remain « high » across England.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed today that while norovirus activity has steadied in recent weeks, the number of people becoming unwell is still considerably above normal for this period of the year.
Based on the most recent data, laboratory reports of the virus between week six and week seven of 2026 were 37.6% higher than the five-season average for the same period.
Frequently referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, although you can contract it at any point during the year, norovirus is the most prevalent infectious cause of vomiting and diarrhoea in Britain.
It is notoriously infectious, spreading rapidly through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. While most individuals recover within two or three days, experts caution that the virus can leave some sufferers feeling drained for up to a week.
The virus often strikes « suddenly, » with the main symptoms being:
However, there are several lesser-known symptoms that can make you feel particularly unwell, including a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and aching arms and legs.
The main risk associated with norovirus is dehydration, which can be particularly dangerous for the very young, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. If you or your child fall ill, the recommendation is to remain at home and rest.
- Avoid fizzy drinks: Steer clear of fruit juice or carbonated beverages as these can exacerbate diarrhoea.
- Don’t dilute formula: Always prepare baby bottles at their usual strength.
- Medicine safety: Do not administer medicine to stop diarrhoea to children under 12, and never give aspirin to children under 16.
Health chiefs advise anyone with symptoms to stay away from work – or keep children with symptoms off school – for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.
This is to help prevent norovirus spreading further.
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