Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. They're often caused by a stomach bug. It can be very unpleasant, but should stop in a few days.
The most commonly reported viral infection is norovirus. Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in England. It is known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’. Norovirus
causes symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
Anyone with diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms should follow the 48 hour rule to avoid infecting others: staying home for 48 hours after their symptoms clear.
Norovirus can spread from person to person through hand to mouth contact and can be picked up from contaminated surfaces. It can also spread through the air by sneezing and coughing, though this is less common.

The main symptoms of norovirus are:
• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• being sick (vomiting)

You may also have:
• a high temperature
• a headache
• aching arms and legs

The symptoms start suddenly within 1 to 2 days of being infected.

Key messages:

• Nationwide, we are seeing extremely high levels of norovirus, with numbers far above the five-year average for this time of year. If you’ve caught the virus, take steps to avoid passing the infection on. 
• If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, do not 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. Wash any soiled clothes/bedding at 60 degrees.
• If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.
• 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.

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