In the United Kingdom, norovirus cases, commonly known as the “vomiting bug,” are experiencing a notable surge, according to the latest data from government health officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has observed a significant rise in reported cases of this illness over the last two weeks.

Recent figures from the agency indicate that from November 24 to December 7, there was a 33.9% increase in laboratory-confirmed reports of norovirus compared to the previous fortnight. Despite this steep rise, the UKHSA pointed out that the current infection rate remains 16.1% lower than the average across the past five seasons.

Norovirus is known for causing an array of symptoms that are highly unpleasant, though generally not severe. However, there are instances where symptoms could become severe enough to warrant medical intervention or even emergency services.

Symptoms of norovirus and when to call 999

Though norovirus symptoms can be distressing, they typically resolve within a few days. According to the NHS, these symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated temperature, and abdominal pain. Most individuals tend to recover without the need for medical treatment within 48 hours.

Nonetheless, it is advisable to contact NHS 111 for guidance if you experience symptoms that are severe or persist beyond the usual duration. In certain cases, you may be advised to seek further medical evaluation from a healthcare professional.

However, it is recommended to dial 111, where you may also be directed to a doctor, if you experience the following symptoms:

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

In some cases, you may experience even more severe symptoms that the NHS advises warrant a 999 call. This includes:

• Adults experience green vomit
• Confused or not responding as usual
• Children have yellow-green or green vomit
• Have a sudden, severe tummy ache
• Have a sudden, severe headache
• Have a stiff neck and pain when looking at bright lights
• Vomit blood or have vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Have blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• Are having severe difficulty breathing, or taking lots of quick, short breaths
• May have swallowed something poisonous

Full guidance on how to treat norovirus can be found on the NHS website here.