New ’48-hour warning’ issued as cases of violent diarrhoea bug explode – and common ‘protection’ WON’T work

THE NHS has issued a "stay home" warning as cases of norovirus surge - and alerted Brits that a common protection won't work.

The contagious stomach bug spreads easily through close contact and eating food prepared by infected people - a stomach-turning prospect as families gathered together for Christmas festivities.

Cases of norovirus surged by 33.2 per cent in the two weeks between November 18 and December 1, the  (UKHSA) said.

The total amount of infections reported was more than double the number of cases usually seen at this time of year - amounting to an 114 per cent increase.

And the NHS on Friday delivered an updated warning to members of the public struck down by the nasty virus.

It advised: "Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

"It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about 2 days. If you catch it; stay home, rest and have plenty of fluids."

The key guidance also stresses the importance of avoiding work or school until those affected are symptom-free for 48 hours.

It is also recommended to stay away from hospitals and care homes to prevent any more spreading of the virus.

The NHS has also stressed the importance of hand washing with soap and water to stop norovirus from spreading.

It revealed that alcohol-based sanitisers wouldn't be effective in stopping people from contracting the bug.

Common symptoms of the dreaded bug include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The virus can usually be managed at home with enough rest and hydration.

Often accompanied with these symptoms is a high fever, headaches, and limb pains.

These tend to appear one or two days after infection.

This is especially important without vomiting or diarrhoea due to the contagious nature of the virus in this timeframe.

However it's advised to call 111 if you're concerned about a baby under one years old.

Why are norovirus cases rising?

UKHSA said multiple factors could be behind the surge in norovirus cases, including the increased use of PCR multiplex technology for testing - which is capable of detecting multiple gastrointestinal pathogens in one test - as well as changes to the bug after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The health watchdog also noted "the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype" dubbed GII.17.

So far into the 2024/2025 norovirus season, a whopping 89 per cent of samples belonged to norovirus genogroup 2 (GII).

Of these, 66.3 per cent of cases were attributed to the GII.17 genotype.

"An increase of this variant has also been observed in other counties during 2024 and is being closely monitored," UKHSA noted.

"At present there is no indication it leads to more severe illness."

The health watchdog said there were probably more norovirus cases than data indicates.

"Lab reports represent just a small proportion of total norovirus cases," UKHSA explained.

"It has been estimated that for every case of norovirus reported to national surveillance in the UK there are about 288 in the community that go unreported, representing an annual burden of around 3 million cases."

How can I treat norovirus?

Norovirus symptoms tend to inclue nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

But sufferers can also be struck with a high temperature, stomach pain and aching limbs.

People can be at risk of dehydration after getting infected with norovirus, especially young children and older or immunocompromised people.

If you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time, to replenish those lost through diarrhoea and vomiting.

Symptoms tend to strike suddenly but you will usually start to feel better within two or three days.

It's important that you stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days, as this is when you're most infectious.