Norovirus cases are surging: key symptoms to watch for
Hospitals have just experienced their busiest week of this winter as cases of norovirus, the bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, continue to surge.
More than 98,000 patients were in hospital beds each day last week, and 96% of adult beds were occupied, with 961 due to norovirus. ‘Cases are way above what we would usually see at this time of year,’ Amy Douglas, epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said. Hospitals are nearly running out of beds, as less than half (41%) of people fit for discharge were released.
In fact, instances of norovirus are more than double the expected number for this time of year in England, the latest report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows.
The total number of norovirus outbreaks during weeks two and three of 2025 was more than double (113.3%) the number recorded in the same two-week period across five seasons: 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024.
NHS England emergency-care director Professor Julian Redhead said, 'The twin pressures of winter viruses and problems discharging patients means hospitals are close to full – even as more beds have been opened to manage the increased demand.'
Use 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies
What are norovirus symptoms?
According to the NHS, norovirus symptoms start suddenly and may include:
feeling sick
being sick (vomiting)
diarrhoea
You may also experience:
a high temperature
headache
general bodily pain, aches and fatigue
How is norovirus spread?
Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through faecal matter, the NHS says. It is highly contagious and you can catch it from:
being in close contact with someone infected
touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth
eating or drinking contaminated food and beverages
To stop the spread:
always wash your hands with soap and water after using the loo (alcohol hand gel does not kill norovirus) and before preparing, serving or eating food
avoid contact with contaminated individuals
clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
How to treat norovirus
The NHS advises that you:
stay at home and get plenty of rest
drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick - though not juice or fizzy drinks, which can worsen diarrhoea
eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy
take paracetamol if you're in discomfort
give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds
How long does norovirus last?
You'll usually start to feel better in two to three days.
Why is there a rise in norovirus cases?
UKHSA has said that such high case numbers are likely due to a number of factors, including 'the emergence of an unusual norovirus genotype (GII.17)' following the Covid pandemic, and the increased use of PCR multiplex testing technology, which can detect many gastrointestinal pathogens in one test.
They also estimate that for every reported case, about 288 go unreported, adding up to around 3 million cases annually.
Currently, there is no suggestion that the genotype leads to more severe illness.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, called the rise a 'worrying surge,' and the UKHSA said there was a significant impact on hospitals and care homes.
According to NHS data, an average of 898 hospital beds were filled daily last week by patients experiencing norovirus-like symptoms, marking a 15% increase from the previous week.
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