Following a drop in reported cases over the Christmas period, norovirus activity has increased again and is now very high, with laboratory confirmed cases more than double the 5-season average for the last three weeks. The number of outbreaks has also increased and is significantly contributing to NHS pressures.
When talking to patents with symptoms of norovirus (diarrhoea and vomiting) please stress that they should not return to work or school until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped, or visit settings such as hospitals or care homes while they are unwell. They should also be reminded that alcohol hand gels do not work for norovirus.
