A fresh 'stay at home' alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as people with six symptoms are being reminded to avoid leaving the house while ill. The alert was put out this morning (February 3) on social media.

It comes as the latest figures show there are active cases of norovirus in the UK, and they are increasing as of late January 2026. The activity is especially high for this time of year. Norovirus laboratory reports for the two-week period of January 12-25, 2026, were 73.8% higher than the five-season average for that period, and 18.3% higher than the previous two-week period.

Currently, the highest infection rates are seen in people who are 65 years old and older, as well as kids who are under five. Recently, the GII.4 strain has become the most common type of the virus.

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In this morning's new update from the UKHSA, people in England were urged to avoid leaving home until 48 hours after symptoms had cleared. The three main symptoms of the virus are being sick, feeling sick and having diarrhoea. People may also experience a high temperature, headaches and aching arms and legs.

The health authority added: "Diarrhoea and vomiting is unpleasant for everyone. If you come down with a case, here is what you can do to reduce the spread." People are also urged to wash their hands with soap and warm water, and to wash any soiled clothing and bedding in a 60°C wash.

Anyone with symptoms should not got to work, school, hospitals or visit care homes. They should also avoid preparing food for others. The NHS says: "Diarrhoea and vomiting can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration."

In adults and children diarrhoea usually stops within five to seven days and vomiting usually stops in one or two days. Avoid going out as much as you can until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.

The NHS adds: "If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better." To help avoid spreading an infection, on top of washing your hands and any clothes and bedding, also clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day.

People shouldn't share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils and do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after their symptoms stop. The UKHSA also warns: "Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time."

Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "We have seen a notable increase in norovirus 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."