National data shows norovirus activity higher than previous years

NHS guidance published on 19 February 2026 reports that norovirus activity is higher than in previous years, and sets out how households can recognise the illness, recover at home and limit its spread. The guidance was issued by NHS Essex integrated care board, with a lead nurse for infection prevention and control as its author¹.

The guidance states that recent national data shows raised norovirus activity, and describes the virus as highly contagious and easily spread where people are in close contact, including schools, workplaces, hospitals and care homes, as well as busy public settings such as restaurants, holiday resorts and public transport¹. It says symptoms usually start suddenly and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, headache, a mild fever and aching limbs, typically beginning one to two days after infection and usually improving within two to three days¹. Most people recover fully within two to three days without medical treatment, though tiredness may last slightly longer, and antibiotics are not effective because the illness is caused by a virus¹.

The guidance says people can spread the virus from the moment symptoms begin until at least 48 hours after they stop, and advises staying off work, school, nursery or childcare until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and avoiding visits to hospitals, care homes or vulnerable people during that time¹. It advises washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food, and says alcohol hand gels should not be relied on alone because they do not kill norovirus effectively¹. It also advises washing contaminated clothing, towels and bedding at 60°C or higher and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based household cleaners¹.

On recovery, the guidance advises staying at home and resting until feeling better, drinking plenty of fluids such as water, diluted squash or oral rehydration sachets, and taking paracetamol if needed for fever, headaches or aches¹. It advises speaking to a pharmacist or contacting NHS 111 for advice if needed, and says people should avoid visiting a GP surgery, pharmacy or A&E unless advised to do so, to prevent spreading the virus¹. Dehydration can be more serious for babies and young children, older people, people with long-term health conditions and people with weakened immune systems¹.

Why it matters for households

The guidance applies across households in England, since it reports national data and is issued by an NHS body. It sets out what changes for households where someone falls ill: the person affected is advised to stay at home until they feel better, and to remain off work, school, nursery or childcare until at least 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped¹. The guidance advises against visiting hospitals, care homes or vulnerable people during that period, and against attending a GP surgery, pharmacy or A&E unless advised to do so¹. It advises that alcohol hand gels should not be relied on alone, and that handwashing with soap and warm water, washing contaminated bedding and clothing at 60°C or higher, and cleaning surfaces with bleach-based household cleaners are the measures it sets out for limiting spread¹. It identifies babies and young children, older people, people with long-term health conditions and people with weakened immune systems as groups for whom dehydration can be more serious¹. Further detail on symptoms, duration and limiting spread is set out in the guide to norovirus, within the wider health emergencies section.

What happens next

The guidance gives no end date for the raised activity and no further scheduled announcement. It directs readers to NHS.uk or NHS 111 for more advice¹.