This is why everyone seem to have norovirus at the moment

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhoea, often referred to as the ‘winter vomiting bug’,” says Dr Chun Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical. “Plus, any immunity you do develop is short-lived, which means you can get sick again.” The two primary norovirus strains circulating in the UK at the moment are the GII.17 genotype, which is believed to be responsible for the surge in cases this winter, and the GII.4 strain. “The recent sharp rise in GII.4 cases suggests it may have mutated again, making it more infectious or better at evading immunity.” Children younger than five years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. “However, if you’re struggling to keep fluids down, showing signs of severe dehydration, or have a baby or elderly person who seems particularly unwell, it’s best to seek medical advice,” advises Tang.