NHS issues 48-hour warning over 'unpleasant' winter bug as cases 'increase'

Brits have been issued a 48-hour warning over an "unpleasant" winter bug. Health experts have urged people to stay home for two days if they experience symptoms.

In an update made to social media platform X, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advised people to "stay at home for 48 hours" after your symptoms of norovirus clear. Also known as the "winter vomiting bug", norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea and can spread easily.

Recent data shows cases of norovirus have "started to increase" in England in recent weeks. The UKHSA warned: "Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, like norovirus, are unpleasant for everyone.

"If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread." On its website, the NHS backed the recommendations from the UKHSA.

According to the NHS, symptoms of norovirus can emerge "suddenly" and typically include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the virus may be a high temperature, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the NHS advises those with symptoms:

• 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

Contaminated water or food are also risky. Besides self-isolating when ill, the NHS outlines several measures to curb the contagion's spread, recommending that you:

• 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 or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.

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Norovirus cases

The most recent data from the UKHSA show that norovirus cases are only slightly higher at the moment than they usually are at this time of year.

The UKHSA said: "Overall, up to week 42 of the 2025/2026 season, the cumulative number of positive norovirus laboratory reports in England (1,310 laboratory reports) was comparable to the five-season average (1.5% higher) for the same period (1,290 laboratory reports)."

However, it said: "Norovirus activity has remained low and within expected levels, though it has started to increase in recent weeks." For more information, see the UKHSA data here.