A renewed rise in norovirus cases is again affecting UK workers, families and frontline services, according to the latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency. Figures released this week show that confirmed cases of the highly infectious vomiting bug are 18.3% higher than the previous two-week reporting period, reinforcing concerns about ongoing disruption across workplaces, schools and care settings.
While older adults continue to account for the highest proportion of infections, health officials are now reporting a notable increase among children under the age of five. This shift is particularly significant for working parents, childcare providers and early years staff, where illness can quickly spread and cause wider absence from work.
Norovirus, often described as the “winter vomiting bug”, spreads easily through close contact, contaminated surfaces and shared facilities. Symptoms typically include sudden nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, but may also involve abdominal pain, fever and aching limbs. For many workers, this can mean several days away from work, with knock-on effects for household income, staffing levels and service delivery.
Hygiene remains the most effective defence
Public health experts continue to stress that simple hygiene measures remain the most effective way to reduce transmission. Regular handwashing with warm soapy water is essential, particularly after using the toilet, before eating and after caring for someone who is unwell. Importantly, alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus and should not be relied upon as a substitute.
Surfaces should be cleaned using bleach-based products where possible, especially in shared environments such as workplaces, nurseries, staff kitchens and washrooms. These measures are particularly relevant for UK workers in customer-facing roles, healthcare, education, logistics and social care, where exposure risks are higher.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, warned that infection levels remain stubbornly high. She said norovirus activity has continued to increase, particularly among those aged 65 and over, while also rising in children under five. Hospital outbreaks have also grown in recent weeks, placing additional strain on already pressured services.
Her advice is clear and practical: anyone experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting should stay away from work, school or nursery for at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped, and should avoid preparing food for others during that period.
Impact on families, care settings and workplaces
The rise in cases among nursery-age children presents a particular challenge for working households. Parents are being encouraged to lead by example by reinforcing good hygiene habits at home, including thorough handwashing and responsible decisions about keeping children at home when unwell.
Respiratory viruses are also continuing to cause outbreaks in care environments, prompting renewed guidance that people with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes until fully recovered. This is especially important to protect older and clinically vulnerable individuals.
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, noted that while flu and RSV cases are declining overall, the winter season is far from over. Respiratory viruses can behave unpredictably, and complacency could quickly reverse recent improvements.
Wider respiratory trends offer cautious reassurance
Alongside rising norovirus activity, the latest national surveillance data shows a more positive picture for other seasonal viruses. During the week of 19 to 25 January 2026, influenza activity continued to fall and is now circulating at low levels. RSV activity has also decreased slightly, while COVID-19 levels remain stable at baseline, with low hospital and ICU admission rates.
What UK workers should know
For working people, the message is one of vigilance rather than alarm. Norovirus can be unpleasant and disruptive, but its spread can be slowed through consistent hygiene, responsible absence when ill and consideration for colleagues and vulnerable individuals.
The Workers Union continues to highlight the importance of clear workplace policies around illness, fair treatment during unavoidable absence and access to accurate public health information. As winter pressures persist, supporting UK workers to stay informed and healthy remains essential.
