The NHS has issued a 'please don't visit us' hospital plea to anyone experiencing two symptoms as cases of a winter bug increase. There have been a higher number of norovirus cases in the UK lately, with the total higher than the five-season average during the winter of 2024/2025.

The current 2025/2026 season is also seeing a rise, but recent information suggests that the pace of this increase may be slowing down and still remains within expected levels for the time of year. However, the rise is partly due to a variant called GII.17, which is spreading again, allowing more people to become infected. Some people may catch it multiple times.

GII.17 is a genotype of norovirus that causes outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis, and it is highly contagious. The variant is surpassing the long-dominant GII.4 genotype and has recently become the most frequently found type, resulting in a significant increase in cases.

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GII.17 isn't a new variant; it was actually discovered a few years ago. It became the main type of norovirus in some areas during the 2014-2015 season, and now it's making a comeback this year.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says: "This means that people who have already had norovirus this season may catch it again, as having one genotype does not fully protect against the other. However, at present there is no indication that either GII.17 or GII.4 leads to more severe illness."

The surge in cases is putting pressure on hospitals, according to NHS England. In a bid to reduce pressure on the NHS, hospitals have put out a 'please do not visit us' alert to anyone experiencing two common symptoms associated with the illness.

Taking to Facebook, the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust uploaded a video of an emergency care nurse urging viewers to stay at home. She said: "If you've been unlucky enough to have any diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours, could you just please wait to visit your relatives in hospital. You might feel better, but you could still have the infection to pass it on to your loved ones, thank you."

In the caption, the hospital added: "Had sickness or diarrhoea? Please don’t visit our hospital wards until you have been free of these symptoms for 48 hours. Help stop the spread of infection this winter to protect your local community, loved ones and healthcare services."

The NHS says: "Norovirus, also called the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but it usually gets better in about two days." Although it's sometimes called the winter vomiting bug, you can get norovirus at any time of year. The main symptoms of norovirus usually start suddenly and may include:

• feeling sick


• being sick (vomiting)


• diarrhoea

You may also have:

• a high temperature


• a headache


• tummy pain


• body aches and pains

If you or your child has norovirus, you can usually treat it at home. "You'll usually start to feel better in two to three days," the NHS says. Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

• Do stay at home and get plenty of rest




• Do drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick




• Do carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they're being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual




• Do give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds




• Do eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy




• Do take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child




• Don't have fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse




• Don't make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength




• Don't give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea




• Don't give aspirin to children under 16

Speak to a pharmacist if you or your child (aged five years or over) has norovirus and you have signs of dehydration, such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual.

You should also seek medical attention if you're an older person, have a weakened immune system, or have other health conditions that increase your risk of dehydration, or if you need to stop diarrhoea for a few hours. They may recommend oral rehydration powder that you mix with water to make a drink.

Norovirus is caused by a virus that spreads through poo. It can easily spread to others. 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


• drinking unclean water or infected food