The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding people of the steps they can take to halt the spread of norovirus.
The latest data show that cases have increased by 61.1% in the last two weeks, compared to the previous two-week period. There has been a significant rise in cases among adults aged 65 and over, and outbreaks in hospital settings have increased too.
To help reduce the spread, people are urged to ensure they practise good hygiene. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus, so washing hands regularly with warm, soapy water and using bleach-based products to clean surfaces are the best steps people can take to protect themselves and reduce the chance of further spread.
Despite this increase in norovirus, the latest respiratory surveillance data show that flu, COVID-19 and RSV levels continue to fall. Although general trends show that RSV is declining, levels remain unchanged in older adults, which is why it is important that those eligible ensure they are protected with vaccination. However, respiratory viruses can be unpredictable, which is why it is important that people continue to take necessary precautions to ensure this downward trend continues.
Getting vaccinated if eligible, making sure indoor spaces are well ventilated, and staying home where possible if you have symptoms are all measures that help reduce the spread. If you need to go out when you have symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.
Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
“Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continue to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over. This increase is in line with what we expected following Christmas, and we are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well.
“We should all remember the simple steps we can take to stop norovirus spreading. 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 do not rely on these alone.
“If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped, and do not prepare food for others during 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.”
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
“While trends are heading in the right direction, it is important to remember that we are not yet at the end of the flu season and people should still take necessary steps to reduce the spread, particularly around those who are more vulnerable.
“Although activity is declining in general, cases of RSV in older adults have remained at similar levels for the past few weeks, which is why we urge those eligible to come forward for the vaccine. The RSV vaccination programme is open year-round for pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 80 who have not yet had a dose.
“For flu, the NHS still has vaccine appointments available for those most at risk. If you are eligible and have not yet taken up the offer, you should get vaccinated now to ensure you are protected for the remainder of the season.”
In the week between 12 January and 18 January 2026:
Influenza activity decreased and is circulating at low levels.
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is circulating at baseline levels.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity decreased slightly and is circulating at low levels.
The flu, COVID-19 and RSV surveillance report, and the national norovirus and rotavirus surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season, are published weekly.
Norovirus surveillance data between weeks 2 and 3 of 2026 (5 to 18 January 2026)
In weeks 2 and 3:
Norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks, particularly in adults aged 65 years and over.
Overall, norovirus laboratory reports between weeks 2 and 3 of 2026 (5 January 2026 to 18 January 2026) were 60% higher than the five-season average for the same two-week period and 61.1% higher than during the previous two-week period.
Rotavirus activity between weeks 2 and 3 of 2026 was 0.8% lower than the five-season average for the same two-week period.
The number of norovirus outbreaks reported to the Hospital Norovirus Outbreak Reporting System (HNORS) since the start of the 2025/2026 season is 41.9% lower than the five-season average.
During the 2025/2026 season to date, the majority (84.6%) of samples characterised were norovirus genogroup 2 (GII), of which the most frequent genotype identified was GII.4 (33.1%), although GII.17 and GII.4 have continued to co-circulate.
Norovirus 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 and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.
Flu surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026)
In week 3:
Flu activity decreased and is circulating at low levels.
Flu positivity decreased, with a weekly mean positivity rate of 10.5% compared with 11.8% in the previous week.
Overall, flu hospitalisations were decreasing at 4.85 per 100,000 compared with 6.03 per 100,000 in the previous week.
For the 2025/26 season’s vaccination programme, children and pregnant women have been eligible since 1 September, with other groups eligible from 1 October.
Up to the end of week 3 of 2026 (18 January), vaccine uptake stands at:
74.3% in all those aged over 65 years.
40.4% in those aged under 65 years with one or more long-term health conditions.
38.4% in all pregnant women.
43.2% in children aged 2 years and 44.4% in children aged 3 years.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026)
In week 3:
RSV activity decreased slightly and is circulating at low levels.
RSV positivity decreased slightly to 6.4% compared with 7% in the previous week.
The overall weekly hospital admission rate for RSV was decreasing at 2.53 per 100,000 compared with 3.21 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis decreased.
COVID-19 surveillance data for week 3 (12 to 18 January 2026)
In week 3:
COVID-19 activity remained stable and is at baseline levels.
COVID-19 positivity increased slightly, with a weekly mean positivity rate of 1.8% compared with 1.7% in the previous week.
COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 0.88 per 100,000 compared with 0.91 per 100,000 in the previous week.
COVID-19 ICU admissions remained low at 0.02 per 100,000 compared with 0.03 per 100,000 in the previous week.
