Health officials have warned that you could get an “unpleasant” illness more than once this winter. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained that even if you’ve already have norovirus once, you can still “get it again”.

Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is a highly contagious illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. As a result the NHS urges people to avoid schools and hospitals until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

In a post made to social media platform X, the UKHSA warned: “If you have recently knocked norovirus out of your system, the last thing you want is to catch it again.” In an accompanying infographic it said: “Did you know? Even if you’ve had norovirus this season, you can still get it again.”

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On its website, the NHS warns that norovirus can hit "suddenly" but usually resolves within two days. However, during those two days, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea can be "unpleasant".

The NHS say that norovirus symptoms can appear quickly and often include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the infection may include a high temperature, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.

To stop the virus from spreading, the health service advises those with symptoms to avoid schools, workplaces, hospitals, and care homes until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. Recovery usually occurs within two or three days, and it's crucial to stay hydrated throughout this period.

The NHS said: "The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration."

Norovirus can be contracted if you neglect to thoroughly wash your hands after using the loo. Infection can occur through close contact with an infected individual, touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching your mouth, or eating food prepared by someone carrying the virus.

Consuming contaminated water or food also poses a risk. Besides self-isolation when unwell, the NHS suggests several steps to limit the spread of the virus, advising that you:

• Wash your hands with soap and water (alcohol-based hand gels do not kill norovirus) after using the toilet or changing nappies


• Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food


• Launder clothes and bedding that has faeces or vomit on it at a 60C wash and separately from other laundry


• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles


• Minimise contact with others as much as possible

If you experience any symptoms the NHS says you should:

• Not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days


• Not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days

For more information, visit the NHS website here.