Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is the most common stomach bug in the UK. It can spread easily through close contact, or by contaminated surfaces, food or water.
The main symptoms of norovirus include a sudden onset of nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, usually 1 to 2 days after becoming infected. Other common symptoms include a high fever, a headache and aching arms and legs.
Good hand hygiene is important to stop norovirus spreading.
To stop norovirus spreading, you should:
- wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water after using the toilet or contact with a sick individual and before preparing and eating food.
- stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days
- not rely on alcohol gels instead of washing your hands, as these do not kill the virus
- wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at 60°C using disposable gloves to handle any items
- use bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces
If you catch it, stay home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear.
Most people will make a full recovery in 2-3 days without needing any medicine. It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.
Try not to visit A&E or GP surgeries if you have symptoms of norovirus unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this may spread the bug to others. Call ahead to a GP or ring NHS 111 if you are worried about your symptoms.
Further information is available at NHS 111 or NHS.uk https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus (opens in new window)
