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Norovirus cases still rising: what pregnant women and parents need to know

Norovirus cases still rising: what pregnant women and parents need to know

Norovirus are reaching record highs, and pregnant women are at higher risk of complications. Here’s how to stay safe and protect your family.

Ruairidh Pritchard

Published: March 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM

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Norovirus cases are at their highest levels since records began in 2014, and new figures show infections in London hospitals have surged by nearly 90% in the last fortnight.

Typically, cases decline as spring approaches, but UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) experts warn this season could be different.

A shift in the dominant strains of norovirus means that even if you or your child have already had it this winter, you could catch it again.

Pregnant women, young children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration caused by norovirus, making prevention and treatment especially important.

Why is norovirus still spreading?

Norovirus, often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’, is a highly contagious stomach virus that causes diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever.

This year, a new strain (GII.17) drove an early-season surge in infections. However, another strain (GII.4) is now rising, meaning people who had norovirus earlier in the winter could be at risk again.

"Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high, and with multiple genotypes spreading at the same time, people could get infected more than once this season," warns Amy Douglas, Lead Epidemiologist at UKHSA. "Young children are especially at risk, as they are more vulnerable to severe dehydration caused by the virus."

Norovirus and pregnancy: what you need to know

Norovirus itself does not directly harm an unborn baby, but it can cause severe dehydration, which can lead to complications such as low amniotic fluid levels or, in extreme cases, premature labour.

If you’re pregnant and catch norovirus, symptoms will be the same as for anyone else:

Nausea and vomiting
Watery diarrhoea
Stomach cramps
Aching limbs and fatigue
Fever or chills

It’s crucial to stay hydrated. "Drink little and often to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhoea," advises GP Dr Philippa Kaye. Oral rehydration salts (such as Dioralyte) can help restore electrolyte balance and are safe to take in pregnancy.

Over-the-counter diarrhoea medications are not recommended during pregnancy, but paracetamol can be used to help with fever or aches—always check with a pharmacist before taking any medication.

If you experience any of the following, seek medical help:

You can’t keep any fluids down
You haven’t passed urine in six to eight hours
You see blood in your vomit or stool
Your symptoms last longer than two days

How does norovirus spread?

Norovirus spreads through direct contact, contaminated food or water, and surfaces. It can survive for weeks and is resistant to alcohol-based hand gels—making proper handwashing essential.

Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to frequent exposure in nurseries, schools, or public places.

What should I do if my child catches norovirus?

If your child develops symptoms, the best thing you can do is keep them hydrated and let the virus run its course. NHS guidance recommends:

Giving plenty of fluids, such as water, diluted juice or oral rehydration solutions (like Dioralyte). Avoid fizzy drinks and undiluted fruit juice as these can make diarrhoea worse.
Encouraging rest – children may feel extremely tired and weak.
Offering bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice or plain pasta once they feel like eating again.
Using paracetamol to relieve fever or aches if needed.
Keeping them off school or nursery until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped to prevent spreading the virus.

When should I seek medical advice?

You should contact your GP or NHS 111 if you or your child:

Show signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness).
Have been vomiting for more than two days.
Have severe diarrhoea lasting more than seven days.
Have a high fever that doesn’t go down with paracetamol.
Notice blood in vomit or stool.

Preventing norovirus: steps to protect yourself and your family

With no vaccine available, the best way to protect yourself from norovirus is through good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

Wash hands with soap and warm water – hand gels do not work against norovirus.
Disinfect contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners – norovirus can survive for weeks.
Wash bedding, towels, and clothes at 60°C if contaminated.
Keep children home from school or nursery for 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Avoid preparing food for others while you are still contagious.

With cases still rising and new strains spreading, norovirus remains a serious concern—particularly for pregnant women and young children. While the illness itself is usually mild, dehydration can cause complications, making prevention and hydration key.

If you or your child develop symptoms, the best approach is to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and practise good hygiene to protect others. And remember—just because you’ve had norovirus once this winter doesn’t mean you’re immune.

For more advice, visit NHS norovirus guidance.

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Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.