Explainer
Norovirus: how long it lasts, how it spreads and when you can go back to work
Norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, usually passes in two to three days, but it spreads very easily. Here is what the NHS and UKHSA advise.
Not medical advice. This article summarises public NHS and UKHSA information. If you are worried about your health or someone else's, use NHS 111 online or call 111. In an emergency call 999.
Symptoms
The NHS describes norovirus as a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The main symptoms usually start suddenly and may include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea. Some people also have a high temperature, a headache, tummy pain or aches and pains. Despite its nickname, you can catch norovirus at any time of year.
How long does it last?
Norovirus usually gets better in about two days, and the NHS says most people start to feel better in two to three days. It can usually be treated at home.
When can I go back to work or school?
Both the NHS and UKHSA advise not going back to work, school or nursery until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for 2 days (48 hours). During that time you should not prepare food for other people and should not visit hospitals or care homes.
How it spreads
Norovirus spreads very easily. You can catch it through close contact with someone who has it, by touching surfaces or objects with the virus on them and then touching your mouth, or by eating food prepared by someone who has it.
Stopping it spreading
- Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus, so do not rely on them alone.
- Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and door handles. UKHSA recommends bleach-based products for cleaning surfaces.
- Wash clothes and bedding with vomit or diarrhoea on them separately, on a 60°C wash.
Looking after yourself
The most important thing is to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, taking small sips if you feel sick. The NHS advises avoiding fruit juice and fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse. Paracetamol can help with discomfort. A pharmacist can advise on oral rehydration sachets, particularly for older people and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Call NHS 111 if you are worried about a baby under 12 months, a child under 5 shows signs of dehydration such as fewer wet nappies, you cannot keep fluids down, you have bloody diarrhoea, or you have had diarrhoea for more than 7 days or vomiting for more than 2 days. The NHS page lists the symptoms that need a 999 call.
How much norovirus is about?
UKHSA's latest figures, for the two weeks to 18 October 2026, show norovirus activity decreasing slightly and within expected levels, with laboratory reports 32.6% below the five-season average. Activity normally rises through the winter. Sithi tracks norovirus each week on its home page.
Sources
- NHS, Norovirus (vomiting bug)
- UKHSA, Latest weekly winter virus surveillance data (updated 22 October 2026)
- UKHSA, National norovirus and rotavirus report, week 43 report: data to week 42
All sources were opened and checked on the date of publication. Summaries are our own words.