Health authorities have issued a stark warning to the British public about a concerning 48-hour illness currently circulating across the nation, revealing it cannot be eliminated by conventional hand sanitisers. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published urgent guidance on the most effective methods to curb the transmission of norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug.
Surge in Cases and Critical Incidents
This crucial advice follows multiple NHS trusts declaring "critical incidents," partly attributed to the strain caused by this highly contagious gastric infection. Recent data paints a worrying picture, showing norovirus cases in NHS hospitals across England surged by a staggering 57 per cent within a single week.
Cases reached 567 during the week concluding January 11, a sharp rise from 361 the preceding week. Figures from the UKHSA further demonstrate that norovirus infections are climbing rapidly, with cases jumping by 47 per cent during the initial fortnight of 2026 compared to the previous two weeks ending December 28.
Due to this significant surge, combined with elevated flu levels, "at least" 10 trusts across England announced critical incidents because of "high demands and capacity issues," as reported by the British Medical Journal on January 16. An average of 2,725 patients were hospitalised with flu daily in the week of January 12, showing a modest decrease from 2,924 the previous week.
Why Hand Sanitiser Fails Against Norovirus
Writing on social media platform X, the UKHSA delivered a clear message: hand sanitisers "don't kill" norovirus. The agency stated emphatically: "Good hand hygiene can help stop norovirus spreading. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers don't kill norovirus."
The NHS strongly supports this guidance, advising that individuals should "wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies" since "alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus." This is because the condition stems from a virus that transmits via faecal matter and is particularly resilient.
Symptoms and Transmission of the Winter Bug
Norovirus is a gastric infection that triggers sudden and unpleasant symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. The primary symptoms typically begin abruptly, though they generally subside within two days. These encompass nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
According to the NHS website, sufferers may also develop a raised temperature, headaches, abdominal discomfort, and generalised aches and pains. "It can spread to others very easily," the NHS stated, highlighting the importance of strict hygiene measures.
Norovirus can be contracted through several routes:
- Direct contact with an infected individual
- Touching contaminated surfaces or objects, then touching your mouth
- Consuming food prepared or handled by someone carrying norovirus
- Consuming contaminated water or infected food
Essential Prevention Measures
The NHS lists several critical measures to avoid infecting others:
- Washing your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or consuming food
- Laundering contaminated clothes and bedding at 60C separately from other items
- Disinfecting toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
- Minimising contact with others wherever possible
- Staying away from school, nursery or work until you've been free from sickness or diarrhoea for two days
- Avoiding visits to hospitals or care homes until you've had no symptoms for two days
When to Seek Medical Advice
While recovery typically occurs at home within two days, the NHS advises calling 111 immediately if certain symptoms appear:
- You're concerned about a baby under 12 months old
- Your child refuses to breast or bottle feed whilst unwell
- A child under five shows symptoms of dehydration, such as fewer wet nappies
- You or your child (aged five or above) continue to show dehydration symptoms despite using oral rehydration sachets
- You or your child experience persistent vomiting and are unable to retain fluids
- You or your child have bloody diarrhoea or rectal bleeding
- You or your child suffer from diarrhoea lasting more than seven days or vomiting continuing beyond two days
"111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one," the NHS advised.
NHS Trusts Under Pressure
The additional pressure on the NHS from norovirus combined with flu has resulted in numerous NHS trusts declaring critical incidents. According to reports, the NHS trusts which have recently declared critical incidents include:
- East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM)
- Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH)
- Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
- Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Wales has also announced a critical incident, indicating the widespread nature of the current healthcare pressures across the UK.
