‘Stay home’ if you catch this – NHS warns of horror bug that can ‘spread easily’

The NHS has reissued a warning on social media about norovirus following a surge in cases across the UK.

Norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. With the rise in cases the country saw in December, the health service has taken to social media to warn people again about the bug.

Posting on X, it said: “Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting, and it can spread easily.

“It can be really unpleasant but usually goes away in about 2 days.

“If you catch it; stay home, rest and have plenty of fluids.”

According to figures from December, norovirus rates had surged by a staggering 86% in comparison to the same week of the prior year. The data revealed that hospitals saw an average of 756 people with norovirus each day in the week.

The main symptoms of the bug are nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting, which start “suddenly” within a day or two of infection. However, those who catch it can also experience a high temperature, headache and aching arms and legs.

Norovirus is linked to approximately 12,000 hospital admissions in the UK every year, and it can cause serious illness in those with compromised immune systems.

Although stats have been recorded regarding the bug, the UK Health Security Agency has said that the full impact of norovirus isn’t fully represented in the numbers as most cases are not officially reported or recorded.

Norovirus can be spread in multiple ways, including having close contact with someone who has the bug, touching surfaces and objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth and eating food prepared or handled by someone with it.

The NHS say that home treatment is “often the best remedy,” advising people to rest and drink lots of fluids to ensure they do not suffer from dehydration.

It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to stop it from spreading. Alcohol-based hand gels and sanitisers will not kill norovirus, the NHS informed.