NHS Norovirus symptoms as cases surge – and when to call 111

Cases of norovirus, often referred to as the ‘vomiting bug’, are on the rise across the UK, as per recent government data. The UK Health Security Agency has reported a significant uptick in instances of the illness over the past fortnight.

The agency’s data reveals that between November 24 and December 7 this year, laboratory reports of norovirus were up by 33.9% compared to the preceding two-week period. Despite this sharp increase, the UKHSA emphasised that the current rate is still 16.1% below the five-season average for lab reports.

Norovirus can cause a range of highly unpleasant but typically non-serious symptoms. However, certain symptoms may necessitate medical attention or even an emergency call.

Symptoms of norovirus and when to call 999

While the symptoms of norovirus can be nasty, they usually subside within a couple of days.

NHS guidance indicates that while norovirus symptoms can be unpleasant, they usually improve in about two days. These common symptoms can include feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, a high temperature, and stomach pain.

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.