Health chiefs have urged the public to self-isolate two days if hit by the winter vomiting bug, after norovirus cases surged by more than 60 per cent in just a fortnight.
Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency show laboratory-confirmed cases jumped just over 61 per cent in the two weeks to January 18, compared with the previous fortnight – with the sharpest rise seen among over-65s.
Health chiefs say outbreaks in hospitals are also beginning to climb, raising fears of further disruption to NHS services during the final stretch of winter.
Norovirus – which causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea – is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact, contaminated surfaces and shared food.
Officials urged the public to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and to disinfect surfaces using bleach-based cleaners, warning that alcohol hand gels do not kill the virus.
They also stressed that anyone suffering symptoms should not return to work, school or nursery – or prepare food for others – until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.
Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said the rise was expected following Christmas mixing but warned the virus was now hitting vulnerable groups harder.
She said: ‘Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continue to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over.
We are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well.
‘We should all remember the simple steps we can all take to stop norovirus spreading. Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.
‘Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
‘If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.
‘If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those most vulnerable.’
While norovirus is rising, surveillance data shows other winter viruses are easing.
Flu levels are now low and falling, COVID-19 remains at baseline levels, and RSV – which can be dangerous for babies and older adults – has declined slightly overall.
However, officials warned RSV levels remain stubbornly unchanged among older adults, prompting renewed calls for eligible groups to get vaccinated.
Health chiefs have urged the public to self-isolate two days if hit by the winter vomiting bug, after norovirus cases surged by more than 60 per cent in just a fortnight
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: ‘We are not yet at the end of the flu season. While trends are heading in the right direction, people should still take steps to reduce the spread, particularly around those more vulnerable.’
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also involve fever, stomach pain and aching limbs.
The infection can lead to dehydration – especially in young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems – and anyone affected is advised to drink plenty of fluids.
Health officials also encouraged people to ventilate indoor spaces, stay home if unwell and consider wearing a face covering if they must go out while symptomatic – particularly when visiting vulnerable people.
Flu and RSV vaccines remain available on the NHS for those most at risk, including over-65s, pregnant women, young children and people with long-term health conditions.
The news comes as dentists issued a warning to the public not to make the ‘common mistake’ of brushing teeth immediately after vomiting.
Dr Bhavika Parekh who is the General Dental Surgeon at Smile n Shine, says she regularly sees patients unaware of the risks.
‘It’s a common misconception that brushing immediately after vomiting protects your teeth.’
‘In reality, the enamel is temporarily weakened by stomach acid, so brushing too soon can worsen wear.’
He advises waiting between 30 and 60 minutes before brushing.
‘Simple measures like rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum can help neutralise acid and protect teeth before you brush,’ said Dr Parekh.
