Health bosses sound norovirus alarm as Brits told 'don't work for 48 hours'

Health chiefs are Brits of "higher than expected" levels of norovirus tearing through the UK for this time of year. The "winter vomiting bug" is rearing its head this spring, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) after an hospital had to shutter its wards last week after a

Fort William's had to refuse new patients on the ward, and restrict visitor numbers because of the virus. Anyone showing signs of symptoms, or those who live with someone who is, are being advised not to visit a healthcare facility, NHS Highland says.

Though norovirus is most-known for hitting during the winter months, it can affect people all year round. It is highly contagious and is typically spread through the air, as well as on surfaces or through food. In a post on Twitter, UKHSA said: "If you catch norovirus, don't go to work or school for 48 hours after symptoms stop, as you can still pass it on during this time. Do not visit loved ones in hospital or care homes in this time to avoid causing outbreaks".

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The UKHSA wrote on X, formerly : "We’re outside the usual #Norovirus season, but cases are still higher than expected for this time of year. Caught the 'winter vomiting bug' this spring? Find out what to do and how to stop the spread in our blog post."

The UKHSA said in a blog post that 'good hand hygiene' is essential to stop the spread of norovirus. The health agency said: "To avoid catching norovirus or passing it on to others, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.

"This is most important following an episode of illness, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food, as well as cleaning up vomit or diarrhoea."

Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are not effective against norovirus , the UKHSA warns. The latest UKHSA data shows that levels of norovirus have 'remained high' in recent weeks.

It comes after the number of patients in hospital with norovirus reached all-time highs in February, NHS figures revealed, with rates more than double those seen the previous year. Data shows that the total number of norovirus cases between weeks 14 and 17 of 2025 was more than double (156.9 per cent) the five-season average for the same four-week period, which is used to track seasonal patterns in the virus.

The number of norovirus outbreaks were also 43.3 per cent higher than the five-season average, the UKHSA said. It comes just weeks after the UKHSA warned of a possible second wave of norovirus following a shift in the circulating strains of the virus.

It said in February that immunity to one strain of the virus doesn’t guarantee protection against others, urging Brits to be aware that they could get sick for a second time. Data revealed a surge in cases of the GII.17 norovirus strain, while another common strain, known as GII.4, was also becoming increasingly prevalent.

Symptoms of norovirus include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs, the UKHSA says. The UKHSA has urged Brits to remember the following if they come down with norovirus:

• Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics
• Vomiting and diarrhoea causes your body to lose water and salts, which can lead to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent this
• Stay at home. Do not return to work or send children to school until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped and do not visit your GP or hospital while symptomatic
• Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped
• Wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent and at 60C
• To disinfect contaminated surfaces, use bleach-based cleaning products where possible as norovirus can survive on surfaces for days or weeks otherwise