The UK Health Security Agency published an updated version of its leaflet "How to stop norovirus spreading" on 17 April 20231. The guidance describes norovirus as "the most common stomach bug in the UK" and says it "can spread easily through close contact, or by contaminated surfaces, food or water"1.
The leaflet sets out the main symptoms as "a sudden onset of nausea, followed by projectile vomiting and diarrhoea, usually 1 to 2 days after becoming infected", with a high fever, headache and aching arms and legs also common1. It states that most people make a full recovery in 2 to 3 days without needing any medicine, and that keeping hydrated is important, especially for children and the elderly1.
On prevention, the agency's guidance includes the following measures1:
| Measure | Guidance as published |
|---|---|
| Alcohol gels | Do not rely on them instead of washing hands, as they do not kill the virus |
| Staying away from school or work | Stay off until there has been no sickness or diarrhoea for at least 2 days |
| Contaminated clothing and bedding | Wash with detergent at 60°C, using disposable gloves to handle items |
| Surfaces | Use bleach-based cleaners to disinfect |
"If you catch norovirus, stay home for 48 hours after your symptoms clear."
The leaflet also asks people with symptoms to try not to visit A&E or GP surgeries unless a healthcare professional has advised it, as this may spread the bug to others, and to call ahead to a GP or ring NHS 111 if worried about symptoms1.
Why it matters for households
Norovirus spreads readily within households through close contact and contaminated surfaces, food or water, so the guidance is aimed at the people most likely to pass it on at home: those caring for a sick person, preparing food, or handling soiled bedding and clothing1. The agency's stated position is that alcohol gels do not kill the virus and that soap and warm water are needed instead1. It advises that anyone affected stays off school or work until free of sickness and diarrhoea for at least 2 days, and stays home for 48 hours after symptoms clear1. It also advises against visiting A&E or a GP surgery with symptoms unless a healthcare professional has said to, and suggests calling ahead to a GP or ringing NHS 111 with concerns1. Further information is available from NHS 111 and NHS.UK1. The site's guide to norovirus symptoms and how long it lasts covers the same ground for households, and sits within the wider health emergencies section.
What happens next
No further publication or change of guidance has been reported beyond the 17 April 2023 update1.
Norovirus Symptoms and Spreading
