Symptoms released as UKHSA officials explain what people should do to avoid infection after 47 per cent increase in serious outbreak
Ben Hurst
15:15, 15 Jan 2026Updated 15:16, 15 Jan 2026
Health bosses today issued an urgent warning after a massive rise in serious cases of a highly infectious illness. The UK Health Security Agency this afternoon announced cases of norovirus cases have increased by 47% in the first two weeks of 2026.
This is by comparison with the previous 2 week period ending 28 December, according to the latest surveillance data. Officials today gave out urgent advice about good hygiene measures to halt the spread of the virus.
Reports remain highest among those aged 65 years and over and although activity remains within expected levels, outbreaks in hospital settings are also rising.
Officials said viruses like flu and norovirus can be unpredictable and trends can change throughout the season which is why it’s important that people take simple steps to reduce the spread.
For both respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses like norovirus, this includes washing hands regularly. Remember that alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so regularly washing hands with soap and warm-water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We have seen a notable increase in cases in recent weeks among those aged 65 years and over, with more hospital outbreaks also being reported. While this is still within expected levels, there are simple steps that people can take to reduce the spread of norovirus and ensure levels don’t rise further.
“Washing your hands with soap and warm water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop infections from spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.
“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t 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 to those most vulnerable.”
According to the NHS symptoms of norovirus usually start “suddenly” and can include feeling sick, vomiting, and diarrhoea. People can also experience a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain, and body aches and pains.
If someone is experiencing any symptoms health chiefs say they should not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days. You should also avoid hospitals and care homes for the same period.
UKHSA’s latest surveillance data also shows that flu, COVID-19 and RSV levels continued to decline in the first week of the year. While cases for all winter viruses remain within expected levels for this time of year, people are urged to continue taking simple steps to ensure this trend continues.
Making sure indoor spaces are well-ventilated can reduce the spread of respiratory infections like flu, and if people have symptoms, stay home where possible. The UKHSA said if they need to go out, people with symptoms should consider wearing a face covering particularly if visiting vulnerable people.
Those most at risk from flu are eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS, which includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, children from the age of 2 years (as of 31 August) to school year 11, and those with certain long-term health conditions. The RSV vaccine is also available to those aged 75 to 79, those who turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024 and is also offered to pregnant women at or beyond the 28-week mark, as the vaccine helps protect the newborn baby.
Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk. Early flu vaccine effectiveness data from UKHSA shows that the flu vaccine is working well against the flu strain most dominant so far this year, so it’s important that those eligible still take up the offer and get vaccinated to ensure they are protected for the rest of the flu season.
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA said: “It’s encouraging to see that levels of flu and RSV have fallen for another week. But we mustn’t be complacent because our data from previous years tell us that the end of the flu season could still be some months away. Respiratory viruses are unpredictable but there are steps people can take to reduce the spread and ensure we continue on this downward trend – including taking up a vaccine if you haven’t yet.
“Vaccine appointments are still available on the NHS national booking system and those most at risk who haven’t yet had their vaccine should make sure they take it up now to ensure they are protected for the remainder of the season. RSV vaccination remains open year-round for pregnant women and any older adults aged 75 to 80 who haven’t yet had a dose.”