How to stop norovirus spreading
Updated 17 April 2023
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Norovirus, also known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is the most common stomach bug in the UK. It can spread easily through close contact, or by contaminated surfaces, food or water.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of norovirus include a sudden onset of nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, usually 1 to 2 days after becoming infected. Other common symptoms include a high fever, a headache and aching arms and legs.
Prevention
Good hand hygiene is important to stop norovirus spreading.
To stop norovirus spreading, you should:
- wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water after using the toilet or contact with a sick individual and before preparing and eating food
- stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days
- not rely on alcohol gels instead of washing your hands, as these do not kill the virus
- wash any contaminated clothing or bedding using detergent at 60°C using disposable gloves to handle any items
- use bleach-based cleaners to disinfect surfaces
If you catch norovirus, stay home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear.
Recovery
Most people will make a full recovery in 2 to 3 days without needing any medicine. It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.
Try not to visit A&E (accident and emergency) or GP surgeries if you have symptoms of norovirus unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, as this may spread the bug to others. Call ahead to a GP or ring NHS 111 if you are worried about your symptoms.
Further information is available from NHS 111 or NHS.UK.