NHS warns people to ‘stay at home for two days’ if they catch nasty bug

The NHS has warned people to stay at home for two days if they contract norovirus, as official statistics reveal cases of the virus were almost double a five-year average.

The number of norovirus laboratory reports between 25 November to 8 December 2024 were almost double the five-season average for the same 2-week period, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Since the start of the 2024/2025 season, norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) have been 23.7% higher than the five-season average. 

A new post from the official NHS X account on Friday reads: “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.”

NHS advice explains the main symptoms are feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, a high temperature, headache, and aching arms and legs. Symptoms usually start suddenly within one to two days of being infected.

This season, the increase in norovirus activity began earlier than usual and remained high in weeks running up to 8 December, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over according to the latest UKHSA data. 

Earlier this month, NHS bosses confirmed thousands of adult hospital beds were “closed” due to diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, such as norovirus, and urged people not to visit medical settings if they experience these symptoms.

Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at UKHSA previously advised: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not 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 in these settings.

“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.”

Experts reiterate the need to wash hands thoroughly because hand gel alone isn’t effective against norovirus.  

Antibiotics are ineffective against noroviruses, and the NHS says symptoms can usually be treated at home.