Norovirus — often called the “vomiting bug” — is spreading fast across the UK right now. Reports show that around 823 people were in hospital with norovirus each day last week, which is up 45% in just one week and double what it was a fortnight ago.
It can be a rough few days 🤢, but the good news is that most people recover within 2 days.
What is Norovirus?
Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Although it’s commonly linked with winter, you can catch it any time of the year.
Common Symptoms of Norovirus
Symptoms often start suddenly and may include:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
You may also have:
- High temperature (fever)
- Headache
- Stomach cramps or tummy pain
- Body aches
How to Treat Norovirus at Home 🏠
Most people can manage norovirus at home with rest and fluids. You’ll usually start feeling better in 2 to 3 days.
✅ What to do
- Stay at home and rest
- Drink plenty fluids (water, squash, ORS)
- Take small sips often if you feel nauseous
- Continue breastfeeding or bottle feeding (smaller, more frequent feeds if needed)
- Eat when you feel able (light foods like toast, rice, soup)
- Take paracetamol for fever or discomfort (follow the leaflet instructions)
❌ What NOT to do
- Avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juice (can make diarrhoea worse)
- Do not weaken baby formula — prepare as normal
- Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicine to children under 12
- Do not give aspirin to children under 16
Dehydration Warning Signs 💧 (Very Important)
Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration quickly. Watch out for:
- Dark, strong-smelling urine
- Peeing less than normal
- Dry mouth or cracked lips
- Dizziness or weakness
- Babies: fewer wet nappies, sleepy or unusually quiet
If you notice these signs, take fluids seriously and get help if needed.
A Pharmacist Can Help
Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (age 5+) has norovirus and:
- You have signs of dehydration
- You’re older, pregnant, have a weak immune system, or other health conditions
- You need to stop diarrhoea briefly (for travel or urgent reasons)
They may recommend oral rehydration salts (ORS) to mix with water.
How Norovirus Spreads (Why It’s So Easy to Catch) 🧼
Norovirus spreads through tiny particles from vomit or poo and can spread by:
- Close contact with someone infected
- Touching contaminated surfaces then touching your mouth
- Eating food prepared by someone infected
- Drinking contaminated water
How to Stop Norovirus Spreading in Your Home 🚿
✅ Do this:
- Wash hands with soap and water after toilet use and nappy changes
(Hand sanitiser does NOT kill norovirus properly) - Wash hands before cooking or eating
- Wash bedding/clothes with vomit or poo at 60°C, separately
- Clean toilet seats, taps, flush handles and door handles regularly
- Avoid close contact with others until fully recovered
❌ Don’t do this:
- Don’t go to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after symptoms stop
- Don’t visit hospitals or care homes until 48 hours after symptoms stop
When to Call NHS 111 📞
Call NHS 111 urgently if:
- You’re worried about a baby under 12 months
- A child stops breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- A child under 5 shows signs of dehydration
- You can’t keep fluids down
- There is bloody diarrhoea
- Diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days
- Vomiting lasts more than 2 days
When to Call 999 or Go to A&E 🚨
Go to A&E or call 999 if you or your child:
- Vomit blood or vomit looks like coffee grounds
- Have severe breathing difficulty
- Have sudden severe headache or tummy pain
- Become confused or unresponsive
- Have blue/grey/pale lips or skin
- Have green vomit (adults) or green/yellow-green vomit (children)
⚠️ Do not drive yourself to A&E — call 999 or get someone to take you.
Quick Reminder for Nigerians in the UK 🇳🇬✨
Norovirus can spread quickly in:
- Schools & nurseries
- Care homes
- Shared accommodation
- Workplaces (especially kitchens and offices)
So if you’re feeling unwell, rest, hydrate, and stay home — it protects you and others.
🔔 Naija UK Connect Tip
If you work in healthcare, hospitality, or childcare, always inform your manager early and follow the 48-hour rule before returning to work.
Stay safe and take care of yourself ❤️
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
