The NHS has issued a stark plea to the public, urging anyone experiencing two key symptoms to stay away from hospitals as a surge in cases of a winter bug puts significant strain on healthcare services.
This urgent request comes as the UK witnesses an uptick in norovirus infections, with current figures exceeding the five-season average for the 2024/2025 winter period. While data for the 2025/2026 season indicates the rise may be slowing, it remains at expected seasonal levels.
The Resurgent Norovirus Variant
A significant driver behind this increase is the resurgence of a specific norovirus strain known as GII.17. This highly infectious genotype is a cause of acute gastroenteritis and is now overtaking the long-dominant GII.4 strain to become the most commonly detected type.
This is not a new variant; GII.17 was first identified years ago and became the predominant strain in some regions during the 2014-2015 season. Its return this year is particularly concerning because, as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states, prior infection with one genotype does not offer full protection against the other. This means people could catch norovirus more than once in a season.
However, the UKHSA offers some reassurance, confirming that there is currently no indication that either the GII.17 or GII.4 strains lead to more severe illness.
Direct Plea from the NHS Frontline
In response to the mounting pressure on hospitals, NHS England is supporting local trusts in their efforts to control the spread. The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust made a direct appeal on social media, sharing a video of an emergency care nurse.
In the video, the nurse implores viewers: If you've been unlucky enough to have any diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours, could you just please wait to visit your relatives in hospital. You might feel better, but you could still have the infection to pass it on to your loved ones.
The hospital's accompanying caption reinforced this critical message, asking anyone who has had sickness or diarrhoea to refrain from visiting hospital wards until they have been symptom-free for a full 48 hours.
Recognising and Managing Norovirus at Home
Commonly called the winter vomiting bug, norovirus can be contracted any time of year. Its main symptoms appear suddenly and include feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Sufferers may also experience a high temperature, headache, tummy pain, and body aches.
The NHS advises that most cases can be managed at home and will usually resolve within two to three days. The key is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water or squash. It is also important to get rest, eat when you feel able (avoiding fatty or spicy foods), and use paracetamol for discomfort.
Pharmacists can offer advice, especially for those showing signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly urine or urinating less frequently. They may suggest oral rehydration sachets.
By following this guidance and staying away from healthcare settings when infectious, the public can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable patients and helping the NHS manage this seasonal challenge.
