STOP THE SPREAD: Protect your local community, loved ones and healthcare services (Image: John Lamb/ Getty)
The NHS has urged people experiencing sickness or diarrhoea to avoid visiting hospitals as cases of a winter bug continue to rise. Norovirus cases across the UK have been higher than the five-season average throughout the winter of 2024/2025.
Whilst the current 2025/2026 season is also experiencing an increase, recent data indicates that the rate of growth may be decelerating and remains within anticipated levels for this time of year. Nevertheless, the surge is partially attributed to a variant known as GII.17, which is circulating once more, meaning greater numbers of people are contracting the infection with some affected multiple times.
GII. 17 is a genotype of norovirus responsible for outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis, and it spreads extremely easily. The variant is overtaking the previously dominant GII. 4 genotype and has recently emerged as the most commonly detected strain, leading to a substantial rise in cases, reports the Mirror.
WINTER ILLNESS
GII. 17 isn’t a newly identified variant; it was in fact identified several years ago. It became the predominant strain of norovirus in certain regions during the 2014-2015 season, and is now re-emerging this year.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: “This means that people who have already had norovirus this season may catch it again, as having one genotype does not fully protect against the other. However, at present there is no indication that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness.”
Hospitals are experiencing significant strain due to the spike in cases, NHS England has confirmed. In an effort to ease the burden on healthcare services, hospital trusts have issued urgent appeals asking people with two specific symptoms to avoid visiting wards.
The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust shared a video message on Facebook featuring an emergency care nurse making a direct plea to the public. She said: “If you’ve been unlucky enough to have any diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours, could you just please wait to visit your relatives in hospital. You might feel better, but you could still have the infection to pass it on to your loved ones, thank you.”
The hospital’s accompanying post stated: “Had sickness or diarrhoea? Please don’t visit our hospital wards until you have been free of these symptoms for 48 hours. Help stop the spread of infection this winter to protect your local community, loved ones and healthcare services.”
What are the symptoms of norovirus?
According to the NHS: “Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but it usually gets better in about two days.”
Despite its seasonal nickname, norovirus can strike at any point throughout the year. The primary symptoms of norovirus typically appear suddenly and may include feeling sick, being sick (vomiting) and diarrhoea. You may also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, body aches and pains.
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Can you treat norovirus yourself at home?
If you or your child contracts norovirus, it’s typically manageable at home. “You’ll usually start to feel better in two to three days,” advises the NHS. Diarrhoea and vomiting can generally be treated at home. The key is to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Ensure you stay at home and get ample rest.
- Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you’re feeling nauseous.
- Continue breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they’re vomiting, try giving smaller feeds more frequently than usual.
- Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds.
- Eat when you feel up to it – it might be beneficial to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy.
- Take paracetamol if you’re uncomfortable – check the leaflet before giving it to your child.
- Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can exacerbate diarrhoea.
- Don’t dilute baby formula – use it at its normal strength.
- Don’t give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea.
- Don’t give aspirin to children under 16.
Can speaking to a pharmacist help?
If you or your child (aged five years or over) has norovirus and shows signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly urine or urinating less than usual, consult a pharmacist.
If you’re elderly, have a compromised immune system, or have other health conditions that heighten your risk of dehydration, or if you need to halt diarrhoea for a few hours, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. They may suggest an oral rehydration powder that you combine with water to create a drink.
What causes norovirus to spread?
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads through faecal matter. You can contract norovirus from close contact with someone with norovirus, touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth, eating food that’s been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus and drinking unclean water or infected food.
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