Oxfordshire GP urges public to protect vulnerable people, as experts warn of second wave of norovirus
Health officials are now warning of a potential "second norovirus wave"
Last updated 28th Feb 2025
A GP from Oxfordshire is urging the public to quarantine themselves if they catch norovirus to protect vulnerable people, such as young children, older adults and those with a weaker immune system.
Health officials are now warning of a potential "second norovirus wave", as reports suggest that more individuals are contracting the vomiting bug more than once.
"These bugs spread really easily and very rapidly"
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has noted that those who've already battled the virus this winter may be at risk of reinfection due to multiple strains.
According to the NHS website, the primary symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Patients may also experience a high temperature, headaches and stomach pains.
Dr Ed Capo-Biano, GP at Goring and Woodcote Medical Practice said: “Try and quarantine yourself as much as you can, should you have this diarrhoea and vomiting bug.
“You might feel well once you’ve first got over it, but you could still be infectious over that first 24 to 48 hours period.
“You just don’t know what medical conditions that people have next to you, on the bus or in the supermarket. People might look very well but take certain medications that compromise their immune system.”
He added: “These bugs spread really easily and very rapidly. It could just be off a door handle, or a pole, something on the street, where someone picks it up, goes to touch their nose and then it’s in their system.”
Norovirus cases usually starts to decline as the weather warms up, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says it is too soon to work out whether cases have peaked.
Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA said: "Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus. Wash your hands with soapy warm water and clean surfaces with bleach-based products where possible to help stop infections from spreading,"