Brits have been told to “stay home” for 48 hours after experiencing certain symptoms. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that you could still spread an “incredibly infectious” illness in the first two days.
In a post made to X, the UKHSA urged people to look out for any potential symptoms of norovirus. It said: “Norovirus is incredibly infectious, so if you’re feeling unwell stay home for 48 hours after symptoms stop as you are still infectious during this time.”
Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Although it’s sometimes referred to as the “winter vomiting bug”, you can get norovirus at any time of year.
In fact, the most recent figures from the UKHSA show that between March 31 and April 27 this year cases of norovirus in England were more than double the five-year average for the same period. Within those four weeks, there were 14,959 laboratory reports of norovirus in England – up from the average of 6,446.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported in hospitals was also higher than usual at this time – 43.3 per cent higher than the five-season average. However, the UKHSA acknowledged that norovirus activity has remained high but has “started to decrease” in recent weeks.
On its website, the UKHSA explained that the incubation period, which is the time between catching the virus and developing symptoms, of norovirus is 12 to 48 hours. It said: “Individuals are most infectious when symptomatic, but it is possible to pass on norovirus or shed the virus, thereby contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped.”
Therefore, both the UKHSA and NHS recommend staying home and avoiding visiting work, schools, and hospitals 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. The UKHSA said: “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. If you are concerned about your symptoms, talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111 or visit the NHS norovirus webpage.”
For this reason, you should also hold off from preparing food for others. “Avoid cooking and helping to prepare meals for others until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, as norovirus can be spread through contaminated food when it is handled by people shedding norovirus,” the UKHSA added.
Infection and symptoms
People can contract the virus by being in close proximity to an infected person, touching surfaces or objects with the virus on them and then touching their mouth, or eating food handled by someone with norovirus. Consuming contaminated water or food also poses a risk.
The NHS cautions that symptoms of norovirus usually manifest “suddenly” and can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the illness might be a high fever, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.
Most people begin to recover within two to three days, and it’s crucial to stay hydrated during this time. The NHS said: “The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.”
In addition to self-isolation, the NHS recommends several practices to limit the spread of norovirus, including washing hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing nappies, as alcohol hand gels are ineffective against the virus.
It is also advised to wash hands with soap and water before preparing, serving, or eating food. Clothes and bedding contaminated with faeces or vomit should be washed at 60C separately from other laundry. It’s also important to clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and bathroom door handles.
Along with sickness and diarrhoea, norovirus can also cause:
- A high temperature
- A headache
- Tummy pain
- Body aches and pains.
If you or your child experience diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, it’s advised to call 111.
