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Health officials in the UK have issued an alert about a 48-hour illness that spreads “at this time of year”. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) urged people to take precautions to avoid catching norovirus. Also known as the winter vomiting bug , this illness can come on “suddenly” but typically resolves within two days. But within those two days the symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhoea, can be “unpleasant”. In a post made to social media platform X, the UKHSA said: “We might associate winter illnesses with the sniffles, but norovirus, known as the winter vomiting bug, also spreads at this time of year .” The NHS cautions that symptoms of norovirus can emerge quickly and typically include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the virus may be a high temperature, headaches , stomach cramps, and general body aches. To prevent the spread of the virus, the health service advises those with symptoms to avoid going to school, work, hospitals , and care homes until 48 hours after the symptoms have ceased. Recovery usually occurs within two or three days, and it is crucial to stay hydrated during this time. The NHS says: "The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration." You can catch norovirus if you do not wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet. You can get infected by coming into close contact with someone carrying the virus, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then your mouth, or consuming food prepared by someone who has norovirus. Contaminated water or food are also risky. Besides self-isolating when ill, the NHS outlines several measures to curb the contagion's spread, recommending that you: This advice is backed by the UKHSA which says you should do the following if you have norovirus: If you experience any symptoms the NHS says you should: If you or your child have diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.
