Symptoms of 'extremely contagious' new variant of norovirus sweeping UK

A new strain of the 'winter vomiting bug' norovirus is sweeping the UK. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), what's known as the Kawasaki strain - also called variation GII.17 - is now making up around 70% of cases.

People with the bug are being urged to stay at home and avoid contact with others for 48 hours after having symptoms. Earlier this week, a GP with AXA Health, Dr John Burke, said norovirus was "extremely contagious".

According to AXA Health, cases of the vomiting bug have doubled on last year. The ‘Kawasaki bug’ was first identified in Kawasaki, Japan, in 2014, has quickly become a dominant virus across the UK in recent months.

Gauri Godbole, deputy director of gastrointestinal infections at the UKHSA, said: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don't prepare food for others in that time either. If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.”

Dr Burke, who is chief medical officer at AXA Health and has been a GP for more than a quarter of a century, said: “Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that spreads through contact and can cause sickness and diarrhoea for those infected. Often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’ cases of Norovirus soar over autumn and winter as more people spend time indoors, in close proximity to each other.”

NHS symptoms of norovirus

The NHS says that norovirus, also called the "winter vomiting bug", is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but usually goes away in about two days.

The main symptoms of norovirus are:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)

You may also have:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• aching arms and legs

The symptoms start suddenly within a day or two of being infected.

How to treat norovirus

You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

You will usually start to feel better in two or three days, the NHS says. Find out how to treat diarrhoea and vomiting in children and adults.

The NHS adds: "Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days. This is when you're most infectious. Do not visit hospitals or care homes during this time."

How norovirus is spread

The NHS says norovirus can spread very easily. You can catch norovirus from:

• close contact with someone with norovirus
• touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them, then touching your mouth
• eating food that's been prepared or handled by someone with norovirus

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.

Get advice from 111 now if:

• you're worried about a baby under 12 months
• your child stops breast or bottle feeding while they're ill
• a child under 5 years has signs of dehydration – such as fewer wet nappies
• you or your child (over 5 years) still have signs of dehydration after using oral rehydration sachets
• you or your child keep being sick and cannot keep fluid down
• you or your child have bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom
• you or your child have diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days

111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you or your child:

• vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
• have green vomit (adults)
• have yellow-green or green vomit (children)
• might have swallowed something poisonous
• have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• have a sudden, severe headache or stomach ache

The NHS advises people not to drive to A&E. Instead, ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.