Health advice as norovirus cases spike in the North West
Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Health leaders in the North West have issued advice on preventing the spread of norovirus following a spike of people in the region’s hospitals with the virus.
Latest data shows that in the North West, an average of 164 patients a day were in hospital with the ‘winter vomiting bug’ in the week up to 25 January – more than two-thirds higher than the same week last year and an increase of 30% from the previous week (week ending 18 January), when an average of 126 beds per day were occupied by a patient with norovirus.
Nationally, an average of over 1,100 adult beds were closed or occupied due to the virus each day.
Dr Paula Cowan, a GP and Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said:
“Norovirus can be a deeply unpleasant and debilitating illness, especially for those with underlying medical condition, and it’s vital people do everything they can to stop it spreading.
“Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus, but you can prevent the spread of norovirus by frequent handwashing with soap and water.
“You can usually treat norovirus at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol if you need it to bring down high temperatures and ease any discomfort.”
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:
“Norovirus activity has remained high in recent weeks in the North West. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.
“Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children, older people and those who are immunocompromised, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids.
“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, it's really important to take steps to avoid passing the infection on. Please avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent spreading the infection in these settings.
“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.”
NHS advice for treating norovirus includes:
- staying at home and getting plenty of rest
- drinking lots of fluids, such as water or squash - not fruit juice or fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse
- eating when you feel able to, avoiding fatty or spicy foods
- Taking paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to your child
People can use the NHS 111 service – which is available online at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – to get health advice about managing symptoms and get any treatment needed to avoid becoming more seriously unwell.
Visit the NHS.uk webpage on norovirus for useful information, including symptoms, how to treat it, and how to stop it spreading.