Stopping the Spread of Norovirus

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have reported an increase in cases of norovirus, with lab reports 70% higher than average.

Published on 10 October 2023

Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug (although it can occur at any time of year), is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea.

Norovirus can spread easily through communities and so outbreaks are common in settings where individuals have close contact such as hospitals, care homes, schools and nurseries.

For most people this is an unpleasant, short-lived illness and they make a full recovery within 2 to 3 days without needing any medicine. However, some groups - including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity - are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment.

See the UKHSA guidance for stopping the spread of Norovirus:

Norovirus: What to do if you catch it and helping to stop the spread